Evening structure that works

20 minute brain-dump to clear loose ends. Use A3 paper, write everything swirling in their head, then circle the items we can solve tomorrow.
45 minute focused block with retrieval prompts and exam timers. Keep siblings away and pre-arrange snacks so there’s zero mid-session negotiation.
Short debrief on what still feels “muddy” to surface for the next lesson or my next tutoring session.

Pair this with light exercise or a walk to decompress. Confidence increases when the nervous system is calm.

Parent scripts for tricky conversations

Motivation dip: “I can see today was draining. Let’s pick one topic to steady and park the rest for tomorrow.”
Overwhelm: “Would it help if I email Ehsan with the specific questions worrying you so he can prioritise them next lesson?”
Perfectionism: “Mocks are rehearsals. We learn what the paper wants; then we adapt the plan.”

Weekly rhythm

Day	Parent action	Student focus
Monday	Confirm the week’s timetable and travel commitments.	Retrieval practice on two subjects only.
Wednesday	Check sleep/wellbeing; book a short activity break (yoga, swim).	Timed paper segment with accuracy audit.
Friday	Quiet review conversation, 10 minutes max.	Finish any outstanding flashcards, then rest.
Sunday	Prepare uniform, food, transport to remove Monday friction.	Long-form essay or problem paper.

Track energy, not just marks

I ask parents to rate evening energy 1–5 in a shared sheet. If ratings slump below 3 for several days, we pause heavy workloads and focus on routine resets, nutrition and stress tools before returning to academics.

When to bring in extra help

Sleep broken for more than three nights.
Emotional spikes: tears, anger, shutdowns.
Grades diverge between teacher feedback and mock results.

Send me a direct note with the school, exam board and mock timetable via the contact page. I’ll map out a targeted plan for your teenager and, if needed, coordinate with school staff so everyone gives the same calm message.