Helping Your Child Thrive During SATs: 7 Simple Tips for Parents

SATs week can feel like a big deal—for children and parents. While schools prepare pupils academically, what happens at home plays a huge role in how children feel and perform on the day.

Here are 7 simple but powerful ways you can support your child’s mental and physical wellbeing during SATs week (and beyond!):

1. Prioritise Sleep – It’s Brain Fuel
A well-rested child is more focused, calm, and better equipped to recall what they’ve learned. Aim for a consistent bedtime and wind-down routine that avoids screens for at least 30- 1 hour before bed. Think stories, calm music, or a warm bath.

2. Start the Day with a Power Breakfast
Skip the sugar rush! Fuel their brain with slow-release energy: think porridge, wholemeal toast with peanut butter, eggs, fruit, or yogurt. A balanced breakfast helps improve concentration and reduces mood swings during the day.

3. Keep Them Hydrated
Water is vital for focus and memory. Pack a refillable water bottle and encourage regular sips—not just at school, but at home too. Dehydration can make children feel tired, grumpy and foggy-headed. 90% of the brain is water, even slight dehydration can affect concentration and memory massively.

4. Be Their Calm, Not Their Coach
Your child doesn’t need a tutor at home during SATs week—they need a cheerleader. Keep things light, encouraging, and low pressure. A calm parent = a calm child.

5. Keep Moving – Short, Fun Bursts
Physical activity helps release stress, boosts mood, and improves sleep. A quick dance, a walk around the block, or a mini workout after school can work wonders.

(Tip: Try a 5-minute Body Boost from A-life At Home!)

6. Don’t Skip Downtime
Children need time to switch off. Let them play, rest, and have fun. It’s not wasted time—it’s essential to help their brains process and recharge. But this doesnt mean hours of gaming. Getting children to the park or playing outside will make a huge difference.

7. Remind Them SATs Don’t Define Them
Reassure your child that SATs are just one small part of their journey. Their kindness, creativity, and uniqueness matter far more than a score on a test especially in today’s world when their are so many opportunities for different jobs.

Final Thought:
You don’t need to be a teacher to make a difference—you just need to be there, calm and present. With a little support at home, your child will go into SATs feeling confident, healthy, and ready to shine.