Why Exam Results Don’t Define Your Child — or Their Future

Exam season is here — and with it, a tidal wave of pressure, late nights, and panic. But what if we’ve got it all wrong? In this short, punchy episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson share six powerful reminders to help your teen (and you!) survive exam stress with perspective, calm, and even joy. From why your ATAR doesn’t define your worth to why sleep, exercise, and connection matter more than cramming — this is the reality check every parent needs right now.

KEY POINTS:

• You are not your ATAR: Exams don’t measure intelligence, potential, or worth.
• Brains need breaks: Good sleep, nutrition, and exercise fuel real learning.
• Remembering requires forgetting: Relearning builds stronger memory.
• Connection over cramming: Fun, laughter, and time with loved ones reduce anxiety.
• Take a gap year: Exploration and “range” lead to deeper purpose and long-term success.
• Perspective is everything: In two years, none of this will matter as much as it feels now.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“You are not your ATAR. In two years, no one’s going to care — and you’ll be just fine.” — Dr Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Range by David Epstein
• Join the waitlist to hear all the news on Justin's new book "Boys"
• The Art of Manliness
• A HF conversation with Amy Dyer on gap years & the real path to success after school

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Keep routines steady — protect your teen’s sleep, meals, and downtime.
2. Encourage short study bursts, spaced repetition, and daily movement.
3. Talk about why effort matters more than marks.
4. Model calm and perspective — your energy sets the tone.
5. Start conversations about gap years, growth, and finding direction beyond exams.

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