Exam season. Is it something that you recall as a scary time, or one where you felt the freedom of study leave? Do you know someone going through it now.
The anticipation builds over weeks and months of revision, pressure, and expectation and for many teenagers, it is really tough – and a defining moment in their lives.
Whether it’s A-levels, GCSEs, or other key assessments, revision can bring a mix of motivation, stress, procrastination, and self-doubt. And for parent, carers and teachers, it can be hard to know how best to support.
Do you push them? Give them space? Or just make sure they’re well fed and watered?
That’s where looking at the situation through a PRINT® lens can help.
PRINT® identifies the core motivations and drivers that shape how each individual thinks, feels, and acts. And if you can understand what naturally motivates the student in your life, you can tailor your support in a way that is acceptable to them -a and makes a genuine difference during revision, when pressure is building but results are still unknown.
PRINT® highlights three distinct ‘families’ of motivation styles, which influence how people approach challenges like studying and preparation:
- Think Its – motivated by knowledge, facts, and clarity
- Feel Its – motivated by connection, empathy, and relationships
- Do Its – motivated by action, decisiveness, and progress
You may recognise one, or a blend, of these in your teenager. And if you’re unsure – ask them. Do they feel one of the families fits them better than the others? By finding a language to help understand their preferences it can transform how you support them during revision.
The ‘Think Its’ family
How to spot them
Think Its are logical, analytical, and reflective. They like structure, clarity, and time to process information.
During revision
They often want to understand how and why things work before they feel confident. They may spend time organising notes, researching, or planning their approach in a more structured way.
How to support them
- Help them create a clear revision plan with defined topics and timelines
- Provide structure that will help them
- Focus on clarity and logic
- Give them time and space to think before checking in
The ‘Feel Its’ family
How to spot them
Feel Its are emotionally aware, expressive, and connection-driven. They’re highly attuned to how things feel.
During revision
Their motivation can fluctuate depending on mood and confidence. They may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or worried about letting others down.
How to support them
- Check in regularly and listen without jumping straight to solutions
- Reassure them, it’s okay not to feel “on it” all the time
- Celebrate effort, not just outcomes
- Create a supportive environment where they feel safe to talk
The ‘Do Its’ family
How to spot them
Do Its are action-oriented, energetic, and results-focused. They like momentum and quick progress.
During revision
They may dive straight in, ticking off tasks quickly but risk skipping depth or becoming frustrated if things slow down.
How to support them
- Break revision into clear, actionable chunks
- Use short bursts of focused study that will help demonstrate progress
- Help them balance speed with reflection
Why PRINT® makes a difference during revision
Revision isn’t usually just about re-learning and remembering facts, figures and knowledge it’s very much about motivation, confidence, and how people respond to pressure.
When stress builds, it’s easy to default to our own communication style. But what works for you may not work for them.
PRINT® introduces the Treat others how they like to be treated, according to their PRINT® preference.
By flexing your approach to match your teenager’s natural motivators, you can:
- Reduce friction and conflict
- Build trust and confidence
- Support more effective, consistent revision habits
And importantly, you can help them stay closer to their Best Self, even when the pressure is on.
But of course there are other elements that will help contribute to young people being their Bets Self: Good sleep, healthy nutrition, water, exercise, connection and rest – whatever form that takes for them all need to be factored in.
Final thoughts for parents and carers
Revision can feel like a long road for both teenagers and those supporting them. The stress can be incredibly acute – and there’s research out there that suggests 45% of parents are more stressed than their children about exams and revision.
There will be good days and difficult ones. Motivation will ebb and flow and the best laid plans won’t always go to plan.
But your role isn’t to control the outcome it’s to support the journey.
By understanding how your teenager is wired to think, feel, and act, you can meet them where they are and help them move forward in a way that works for them.
When young people feel understood, they’re far more likely to engage, persist, and perform not just in exams, but beyond into their careers and personal lives.