How to Support Your Child During Their IB Maths Exams

Ashleigh Lorimer
Jan 14
2 min read

The weeks leading up to IB Maths exams are stressful for most students. Parents want to help, but often aren’t sure how without adding pressure. The good news: your support doesn’t require understanding the mathematics. It’s about creating the right conditions for your child to perform at their best.

1. Help Them Build a Realistic Revision Routine

Students often overestimate how much they can do in a day. Encourage a simple, predictable structure:

50 minute blocks of focused work
10 minute break
No more than 3-4 maths blocks per day

This balances productivity with wellbeing.

2. Protect Their Time and Energy

During the final stretch, reduce demands at home. A calm household - fewer chores, less noise, predictable routines - helps students feel safe and supported.

3. Support Their Emotional Wellbeing

Students often misinterpret normal exam nerves as “I’m going to fail.” Avoid telling them not to worry - it’s invalidating. Instead, acknowledge how hard they’re working and that a bit of stress is healthy.

You can help by normalising stress:

“Nerves mean you care.”
“Let’s focus on what you can control today.”

4. Encourage Productive Revision, Not Endless Hours

Quality beats quantity. Look out for unhelpful patterns:

Spending ages making notes instead of doing questions
Avoiding topics they find hard
Repeating the same past papers without reviewing mistakes.Ask them: “What did you learn from today’s practice?”

For tips on how to revise productively, read my posts on “Top Tips for doing well in IB DP exams” and “How to study for IB DP exams effectively”.

5. Provide Practical Support

You can help more than you think:

Make sure they sleep 8-9 hours
Offer balanced meals and regular snacks
Keep water nearby
Encourage short walks or breaks outside, rather than watching TV.

6. On IB Maths Exam Day

A calm morning routine
A familiar breakfast
No last-minute “cramming” that increases anxiety
A reminder: “You know more than you think. Trust yourself.”

Your presence, consistency, and reassurance matter more than explanations or extra resources. You’re helping them perform with clarity instead of panic.