Exam season can be one of the most stressful times for young people – and for the parents and carers supporting them.

Whether it’s A-levels, GCSEs, or other key assessments, the pressure to perform can be intense. And when results day arrives, emotions can run high – sometimes it’s joy, sometimes disappointment, and often a complex mix of both.

The truth is that results don’t always go the way your child hopes. But knowing more about how they naturally react to challenges and change can help you respond in ways that reassure, motivate, and guide them forward. And that’s where PRINT® comes in.

PRINT® identifies core motivations and drivers that are unique and personal to each and every one of us. PRINT® highlights three distinct ‘families’ of motivation styles, which drive the way we communicate. You may recognise one or a mixture of ‘families’ that relate to you and your child.

  • Think Its – motivated by knowledge, facts, and clarity
  • Feel Its – motivated by connection, empathy, and relationships
  • Do Its – motivated by action, decisiveness, and getting results

Understanding which group motivates your child can give you valuable insight into how to support them during exams and results, especially if things don’t go to plan. Here’s a little more on how to recognise each family and some ideas for supporting those receiving results.

 

1. The ‘Think Its’ family 

How to spot them
Think Its are logical, analytical, and cautious. They value well-researched information, prefer to think things through before speaking, and often keep their feelings private. 

If results aren’t as hoped?
Their first reaction is often to analyse what happened. They may seek facts and evidence before processing emotions. 

How to support them 

  • Stick to facts first. When discussing results, start with what you know before moving to feelings. 
  • Offer logical next steps. Provide clear, well-structured options for the future – re-sits, alternative courses, or new goals. 
  • Allow processing time. Give them space to think privately before expecting a conversation about emotions. 
  • Avoid overwhelming them emotionally. Too much ‘cheer up’ talk may feel dismissive; instead, focus on problem-solving. 

 

2. The ‘Feel Its’ family 

How to spot them
Feel Its are emotionally aware, empathetic, and connection-driven. They express themselves through feelings, often wearing their heart on their sleeve. They value being heard and understood. 

If results aren’t as hoped?
Their initial reaction is often deeply emotional. They may feel disappointment or worried about letting people down. 

How to support them 

  • Listen first, talk later. Let them share how they feel without rushing to fix the situation. 
  • Acknowledge emotions. Use validating language: ‘I can see how much this means to you.’ 
  • Offer sincere praise. Highlight effort, perseverance, and strengths beyond the exam result. 
  • Rebuild confidence through connection. Keep communication open, using face-to-face or phone conversations where possible. 

 

 3. The ‘Do Its’ family 

How to spot them
Do Its are action-focused, energetic, and decisive. They like to get to the point quickly, make fast decisions, and keep momentum going. They can be competitive and confident, but may grow impatient with delays or prolonged discussions. 

If results aren’t as hoped?
They may quickly shift into ‘What’s next?’ mode, wanting immediate solutions, but can also become frustrated if they feel blocked or powerless. 

How to support them: 

  • Get to the point. Share key information quickly; avoid long build-ups. 
  • Match their pace. Keep the conversation solution-focused and forward-moving. 
  • Encourage decisive action. Work with them to identify immediate next steps they can control.
  • Avoid lingering too long on the disappointment. Acknowledge it, then focus on what’s possible now. 

 

Why PRINT® makes a difference 

When emotions run high, as they often do during exam season, it’s easy to unconsciously rely on our own natural way of communicating. PRINT® teaches us the platinum rule. Treat others how they like to be treated according to THEIR PRINT® preference. 

During times of disappointment and challenge, adapting and flexing our approach to suit the child’s PRINT® motivators can help them feel better supported and understood. 

 

Final thoughts for parents and carers 

Regardless of their PRINT® family, your child’s worth isn’t defined by a single set of exam results. The skills they develop through study, resilience, problem-solving, time management and more, will serve them in countless ways, whatever their grades. 

You can’t always remove the bumps in the road but you can walk alongside, offering the kind of support that speaks to their way of experiencing the journey. Whether that’s facts and logic, empathy and connection, or quick action and solutions, you have the insight to help them move forward with confidence. 

When results day arrives, remember, it’s not only what you say, but how you say it. PRINT® illuminates how to make those conversations build strength, confidence, and motivation for the road ahead. 

If this has whetted your appetite to find out more about the different applications for PRINT® in the workplace then drop us an email hello@discoveryourprint.co.uk.