Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds About Exam Stress

I was really proud to be invited to speak on BBC Radio Leeds about helping parents and young people manage exam stress.

Having worked with young people and families for almost two decades, it's a subject that I feel incredibly passionate about. Exam season can bring pressure, anxiety and worry, not just for young people but for the parents supporting them too.

During the interview, I shared practical tips for young people on maintaining a healthy study-life balance and looking after their wellbeing during stressful periods. We talked about the importance of rest, realistic expectations and recognising that exams are just one part of a much bigger picture.

I also highlighted something that is often overlooked: the wellbeing of parents.

When a child is struggling, parents naturally want to do everything they can to help. But it's important to remember that supporting someone else becomes much harder when your own emotional resources are running low.

I used the analogy of putting on your own oxygen mask first. Looking after your own emotional wellbeing isn't selfish. It's often one of the most important things you can do to support your child effectively.

It was a really memorable day and a privilege to be able to reach more people with a simple but important message: help is available, and you don't have to suffer in silence.

What meant the most was hearing that several parents and young people contacted the programme afterwards to say the discussion had helped them. Knowing that a conversation can make someone feel less alone is exactly why opportunities like this matter.

After the interview, Gayle Lofthouse kindly said:

"She had some great words of wisdom as well as an enlightening perspective on how pressure and stress have changed for children over the last two decades. She also gave me some stress-busting gifts which, if my daughter won't use... I will!"

Whether you're a young person facing exams, a parent trying to support your child, or simply someone feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures, reaching out for support can be the first step towards feeling more in control.

You don't have to navigate it alone.

Listen to the interview