Teen Won’t Study for Exams? 5 Practical Tips for Parents Before Easter Break

Support for Junior Cycle, Leaving Cert, and summer exam preparation
By Mary Bradley

5 Minute Read

As the Easter break approaches and exams creep closer, whether it’s the Leaving Cert, Junior Cycle, or summer exams in May, many parents are feeling the pressure rise.

You might be thinking:

“They won’t study. They’re running out of time. I’m more stressed than they are.”

If that sounds familiar, you are absolutely not alone. Teenagers often procrastinate, avoid study, or insist they’ll “start next week”, even as the clock ticks down.

This blog will help you:

Understand why your teen might be avoiding study
Avoid daily arguments over revision
Create a calm, balanced plan before the Easter break starts
Support your child’s mental health and motivation as exams approach

Why Teens Avoid Studying Before Exams

If your teenager isn’t studying, it’s rarely because they’re lazy or don’t care.

Often, the real reason is:

Feeling overwhelmed by how much there is to do
Not knowing where to start
Fear of failure or “what’s the point?” thinking
Low motivation due to stress, burnout, or anxiety

Avoidance is a very human response to stress, especially for teens whose brains are still developing their planning, focus, and regulation skills. When something seems scary it is our natural response to want to avoid it.

Understanding this helps shift us from conflict to compassion.

1. Talk Before the Easter Holidays Start

Many schools finish up on April 11th and if there’s no plan in place, Easter break can quickly become a battleground.

Find a calm moment and try:

“I know exams are coming up, and I want the Easter break to feel balanced not stressful. Can we make a plan that works for you?”

When your teen feels involved, they’re more likely to stick to it.

2. Build a Study Plan With Them, Not For Them

Help them break it down into:

Subjects they feel confident in
Areas they’re avoiding
Topics that need just a quick review vs. deeper revision
Study blocks with built-in breaks

The goal is consistency, not perfection. Even 20–30 minutes of focused study a few times a day is a strong start, especially before Easter.

3. Balance Study with Rest and Fun Over Easter

The Easter holidays shouldn’t be all revision. Rest, movement, connection and downtime help boost memory, energy, and mental health.

Try a routine like:

Mornings: 1-2 short study sessions
Afternoons: time outside, seeing friends, switching off
Evenings: full wind-down and no talk of school

A light structure avoids the all-or-nothing trap and keeps everyone sane.

4. If They Still Refuse to Study…

It’s easy to fall into daily rows, but there are gentler ways to encourage them:

Stay calm. Arguments don’t motivate.
Be curious, not critical: “Is there something about study that feels too hard right now?”
Offer help: “Want me to quiz you?” or “Would it help to talk through what to start with?”
Encourage just one small action: write a to-do list, revise one topic, look at past paper questions
Remind them: starting is the hardest part. Just beginning builds confidence.

If they’re stuck in fear or anxiety, it’s OK to ask for help, from school supports or mental health professionals.

5. Extra Support for Exam Stress

If your teen is struggling with exam anxiety, procrastination, or low confidence, there are supports designed just for them:

🎧 For Teens – 20-Minute Oral Exam Anxiety Webinar (€11)
Overcome Exam Anxiety
A quick, practical video packed with calming tools and mindset tips.

🎓 Self-Paced Course – Exam Empowerment
For Teens Who Want to Feel More Boost their Mindset and Boost their Results
Covers motivation, mindset, focus, and wellbeing during the exam lead-up.

💛 For Parents – Free Webinar
Support Your Teen Through Exam Anxiety

📝 Related Blog Post
Exam Anxiety: What You Need to Know

A Note for You, the Parent

If this all feels like a lot, know that you’re not alone and you’re not doing it wrong.

It’s completely normal to feel frustrated, helpless, or even panicked when your teen won’t study. But with some gentle planning, calm encouragement, and a bit of structure, you can help them get through this without turning the Easter break into a battleground.

You’ve got this.
They do too.
And you’re not in it alone.