Parents Guide To Kids' Revision

Step 1: Get involved

Sending them to their room and barricading them in isn't going to do much good; you can't be sure they're working, and even if they are they might not be absorbing anything.

Work with them to accomplish their goals. Help them out if and when they need it.

But don't push it. One thing every reviser needs, is space.

Step 2: Healthy body, healthy mind

While you're keeping out of their way and keeping quiet, you can spend some time in the kitchen preparing some brain food for when they emerge, bleary-eyed and hungry.

Make sure they're eating regular, healthy meals, and not snacking.

Pasta, potatoes and bread are jam-packed with starchy carbohydrates, which releases energy slowly over the course of the day. Don't let them skip breakfast - a good cereal will keep them working throughout.

Chips, sweets and fatty foods are out. Instead, make fresh food with plenty of fruit and veg.

Iron is vital for concentration. Regular red meat and eggs will help boost their energy levels and keep their interest up over long revision sessions.

Providing a balanced, healthy diet, will have them cramming facts into their brain like you won't believe.

Don't forget exercise - a runaround or game of football could have extremely positive effects on their study. Failing that, a simple walk round the block will do wonders.

Step 3: Get the balance right

Long days of drudgery with them locked up in their bedrooms will do no one any good. It's important to let them let off steam and blow off the cobwebs once in a while.
Know where to draw the line - clearly they shouldn't be out partying every night, but understand that non-stop cramming could actually be detrimental, and that watching their favourite TV show or spending half an hour on the PlayStation isn't going to mean all that information is leaking out of their ears.

Step 4: Bribery won't work

It might seem like a good idea. "Pass your exams, and we'll treat you." That way you're safe in the knowledge that they'll knuckle down and get on it. But actually bribery's a big no-no.

Step 5: The big day

Whatever you do, don't let your child stay up the night before the exam cramming. They'll be tired during the day, and most likely won't remember what they've been cramming anyway.

Come the big day of the dreaded exam you're going to need to be there to support your child.

Make sure they get up in plenty of time, and make sure there's time to feed them a hearty breakfast. Not too much, but enough to keep them going and get the old synapses firing.