If on results day the envelope contains the scores your teen wanted and needs for the next part of their education then celebrate and help them prepare for the next stage of their life.

If, on the other hand, the results fall short of what is needed or expected, then this is where your love and support comes in.

Whether you feel that your child 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 now and making a plan in order to make the best of things is the only way forward.

There will be tears and a complete sense of failure in some cases.

Emotion needs to be expressed it is the healthy way and part of the process. This is a moment in time – it will pass and 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 resits, clearing, and maybe a complete rethink of the next phase in your child’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 and that your child has failed, 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: Back to school