IF ON results day the results fall short of what is needed or expected, then this is where your unconditional love and support comes in.

Whether you feel that your teen should have worked harder, stayed in more, studied more or applied themselves more to the task in hand during the school year is irrelevant now, and recriminations of this type are futile. Your child is where they are, and looking forward and making a plan in order to make the best of things is the only way.

There will be tears of joy and a sense of failure in some cases; this emotion needs to be expressed - it is the healthy way and part of the process. This is a moment in time it will pass, good and bad experiences will follow – that’s life!

Helping your teen to keep it in perspective now is important an exam result after all is only one part of your teen's achievements, and a reflection in many cases of how they performed on one occasion.

There are many options to consider, from re-sits to clearing, and maybe a complete rethink of the next phase in your teen's life. Seek help and support from school and college; they have had many years of experience and are there to help.

The best support will come from you, though. While you might feel terrible disappointment, it’s time for you to walk in their shoes and let them know how loved, talented and unique they are, despite how they have done in exams.

See: www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk

NEXT WEEK: The transition from primary to secondary