Your son comes home from school, throws his bag on the floor, and heads straight to his room. He’s frustrated, doesn’t know how to tackle his math homework, and is so overwhelmed that he avoids it altogether. As a parent, it’s hard to know what to do when your child is dealing with this kind of stress. You want to help, but it seems like nothing you say or do gets through.

Supporting your anxious teen during exam prep and homework struggles can feel daunting, but there are ways you can ease their burden and empower them to succeed. Here's how you can approach the situation.

Start With Empathy, Not Solutions

When your child is anxious, the first step isn’t to dive straight into solving the problem. Instead, focus on listening and understanding. Ask how he’s feeling, and give him space to express his frustrations. You don’t have to have all the answers right away—sometimes just being there to listen makes all the difference.

Let him know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that you’re there to help, not to judge. Once he feels understood, he’ll be more open to finding solutions together.

Break It Down: One Step at a Time

One of the biggest challenges your son may face is looking at all his homework or exam prep and feeling immediately defeated. The key is to break down tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. Instead of tackling a whole chapter of math, try focusing on just a few problems at a time.

Set small, achievable goals, like studying for 20 minutes and then taking a break. This way, your son will feel a sense of progress without being overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

Get Him Organized

Disorganization often contributes to stress and anxiety. Help your son develop a system that works for him, whether it’s a homework checklist, color-coded folders, or a dedicated study space free from distractions. Having a clear structure can help him feel more in control, which is key to reducing his anxiety.

If he struggles to get organized on his own, work together to set up a routine that makes sense. Being organized doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but with some guidance, your teen can start developing these essential skills.

Be a Supportive Presence, Not a Critic

Teens can be quick to shut down if they feel judged or criticized. You want to be a safe space for your son, so when he comes to you for help, offer support without pointing out what he could be doing better. It’s tempting to jump in with advice or corrections, but sometimes, just sitting with him as he works through his assignments is all he needs.

Let him know that struggling doesn’t mean he’s failing—it just means he’s learning. And remind him that everyone has subjects or tasks that don’t come easily.

Help Him Develop Stress-Relief Strategies

Stress relief isn’t just about plowing through homework—it’s about finding healthy ways to manage anxiety. Try incorporating short breaks into study sessions with activities that help him relax, whether it’s deep breathing exercises, going for a walk, or listening to music.

Encouraging these habits can help your son reset when he feels overwhelmed, making it easier for him to refocus on his work when he returns to it.

If You Suspect a Learning Disability, Take Action

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may notice your son continues to struggle with school in ways that don’t quite add up. Maybe he’s not retaining information, or he finds it difficult to organize his thoughts even after repeated efforts. If you suspect that his challenges might stem from a learning disability, trust your instincts.

Start by having an open conversation with him about what’s going on. Then, reach out to his teachers or school counselor to discuss your concerns. Schools can offer assessments that determine whether your child might have a learning disability like ADHD, dyslexia, or a processing disorder. If a diagnosis is made, don’t panic—this is a crucial first step toward getting him the support he needs.

There are many resources available, from tutoring to special accommodations in school, that can help your son succeed academically while addressing his specific needs. Advocate for these resources, and work together with teachers to create an individualized plan that works for him.

Collaborate With Teachers and Tutors

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Your son’s teachers can be valuable partners in supporting his learning journey. If homework or exam prep feels like an uphill battle, don’t hesitate to reach out to his teachers to see if they can provide extra resources, guidance, or accommodations.

You might also want to consider hiring a tutor if specific subjects—like math—are particularly challenging. A tutor can offer personalized help in ways that may differ from what you’re able to provide, and sometimes teens are more receptive to guidance from an outside source.

Conclusion

Supporting your anxious teen through exam prep and homework isn’t about knowing all the answers. It’s about offering empathy, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and building a supportive environment where your son feels understood and empowered. And if his struggles turn out to be related to a learning disability, remember that there are resources and professionals ready to help guide both of you through it.

Stay patient, stay present, and together you can navigate these challenges to ensure he thrives, both in school and beyond