National and Higher results are out today, which will no doubt be a day full of nerves for parents and their children alike.
For some it may be disappointing, with results not meeting university or college entry requirements. While it's not the end of the world it can be difficult for young people to receive the news, and for parents it may be tough to talk things out.
Thankfully, one education expert has revealed ways to support children through disappointing grades. Angie Stead, co-founder of Genius School, which teaches entrepreneurial tips to kids, has shared her tips for parents on supporting their child if they don’t get the exam results they want.
Have an honest and open conversation
Angie said: "It can be difficult for children to come to you and express how they’re feeling, particularly if they feel like you might be disappointed in them. But if your child is feeling negatively about their results, adding fuel to the fire by disciplining them for bad results won’t help. In fact, it may just make them more reluctant to open up to you.
"Take the time to have a private conversation and understand how they’re feeling, their concerns and how you can support them. Do they want to re-sit their exams? Are they rethinking their decision to go to university? Are they feeling optimistic despite the knockback of their results? Once you have a better idea of your child’s headspace you can decide how best to support them.
"Remember this isn’t about telling them off, but providing a safe space for them to speak to you and share their feelings."
Success is about soft-skills
If you speak to anyone who you deem to be successful, no two stories will sound the same. Some may have gone to university, some may have set up their own business, others may have found success through an apprenticeship, Angie explains.
She adds: "The main message is that success isn’t down to what university you go to, but soft skills like ambition, tenacity and the ability to recognise and seize opportunities. For those that are willing to work towards their goals - whatever that might look like - success will come in one way or another and everyone’s journey will look different."
Remind them of all the possible routes
The education specialist said: "Whether your child chooses to re-sit their exams, enrol in an apprenticeship or work towards setting up their own business, as a parent the best thing you can do is advise and support them when it comes to their choices.
"There are so many different routes when it comes to being successful. Often when we think we’ve failed, it’s not the failure itself that defines us but how we bounce back from it."
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