Every year, thousands of young people prepare for the Panhellenic Exams, the national university entrance examinations in Greece, a period often accompanied by stress, uncertainty and intense emotional pressure. Although the Panhellenic Exams are a familiar and recurring process within Greek society, the experience does not seem to become any easier for the young people who go through it.

These exams represent an important milestone, not because they determine a young person’s future on their own, but because they are often experienced as a high-stakes challenge. For many teenagers, the feeling that “my whole life is decided within three hours” is not an exaggeration; it is the way they have learned to perceive this process.

And, quite often, this perception is reinforced by the environment around them.

“We are taking the exams this year!”

“Have you studied enough?”

“You have to succeed!”

“Your future depends on this!”

“What will you do if you don’t pass?”

Phrases that are often expressed with the intention of encouragement or concern can, unintentionally, increase the pressure an adolescent is already experiencing. When success is presented as the only possible path, or when failure appears catastrophic, the emotional burden can become overwhelming.

While most young people will manage this period by drawing on their own strengths and support systems, for some the emotional strain can become deeply painful, even unbearable. This is why it is important to recognize that exam-related stress is neither an exaggeration nor a weakness. It is a real experience that deserves understanding and support.

Stress, after all, is a natural response of the body to demanding situations. It does not need to disappear or be suppressed. It needs space, recognition and safe people around the child who can help them manage it and make use of their own strengths and coping skills.

Perhaps this is why one of the most common phrases heard during this period, “Don’t stress!”, often has the opposite effect. Stress does not work like a switch. A teenager who is already under pressure does not stop feeling anxious simply because someone asks them to; instead, they may feel that something is wrong with them because they are experiencing stress. 

The role of parents

During this demanding period, parents can play a crucial role. Not as an additional source of pressure, but as a source of stability and security.

Positive Parenting does not mean being indifferent to a child’s effort or removing all boundaries. It means offering guidance and support, showing understanding without unrealistic expectations or comparisons.

“You are taking the exams; we are here by your side”

The phrase “we are taking the exams” has become almost a shared experience in Greek families. It often expresses involvement and care; however, it can also create the feeling that a child’s success or failure belongs to the whole family.

The child is the one taking the exams. Parents do not need to enter the challenge themselves; they need to stand beside their child throughout it.

Instead of control, connection

Repeated questions such as “Have you studied?” or “Are you ready?” usually come from a place of care and concern. However, when they are repeated constantly, they may increase the feeling of pressure or turn the home environment into a place of continuous evaluation.

More supportive questions might be:

“How are you feeling today?”

“Is there something you need from me?”

“Would you like us to take a break together?”

Emotional availability often provides greater support than reminders about responsibilities and obligations. At the same time, it sends children the message that we trust their effort and their ability to take responsibility for their own preparation.

Comparisons do not help

“Your cousin studied more.”
“Your friend seems more prepared.”

Comparisons rarely motivate in a meaningful way. On the contrary, they often reinforce feelings of inadequacy. Every child has their own pace, different needs, abilities, and personal journey.

What works for one teenager will not necessarily work for another. Recognizing each child’s individual strengths and personal path contributes much more to building their confidence and self-esteem.

A child’s value cannot be measured by a grade

The Panhellenic Exams are important, but they do not represent the whole of a person’s life. They are not the only opportunity, nor the only path towards a future full of possibilities. Young people can achieve their goals through different routes and opportunities that they encounter throughout their lives.

What matters most for a young person to hear during this period is that their value is not measured by grades, performance, or results. That acceptance, support, and love are not dependent on achievement.

Perhaps the most important thing a parent can offer during the Panhellenic Exams period is not more pressure or more advice, but the reassurance that:

“Whatever happens, I am here with you. I see your effort and your struggle, and I want you to know that my love and support do not depend on any grade or result. You are so much more to me than an exam.”

Good luck to all students!

*This article is based on the principles of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, that was implemented in Greece within the framework of the National Action “Promoting of Family and Child Health”, carried out by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with UNICEF Greece and a number of partners, including SolidarityNow. The program is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU.