PART two of our guide to surviving the stress of exams is published today.

To enter the competition to win copies of Knowledge Adventurer software, Aldi English and Maths and Smart Start French just read through the dos and don'ts in both last week's and this week's NIE column, then get together with your child to think up another three helpful exam hints of your own.

The competition is open to anyone with a child aged seven to 16 and will be judged in primary and secondary age groups with a winner from each.

To enter, write out your three original revision tips clearly and add your name, home address, telephone number and age of child. Send your entry to NIE Exam Competition, Lancashire Evening Telegraph, High Street, Blackburn BB1 1HT, to arrive by the closing date of Friday March 12.

Our usual competition rules apply, employees of this newspaper and their families are not eligible to enter. SURVIVAL GUIDE - PART 2

DO:

Suggest a varied approach to revising; cassettes, CD Roms, TV programmes, or a change of scene such as working with friends or in the library could help.

Familiarise yourself with the exam timetable, so that you know what they're taking and when and can say "Good luck with......".

Inform the school about any particular problem that affects your child. If for example your child is dyslexic, make sure he has been registered. In extreme cases such as serious illness or bereavement, exams can be deferred.

The most important thing is to be supportive. Exams are important, but the rest of life shouldn't disappear.

Academic achievement may seem vital for ensuring security in the future, but your teenager may have ambitions for a less academic career.

If your child is worried about failing, reassure him or her that there are other options.

DON'T:

Don't forget a few treats - snack break surprises really help to recharge those batteries and break up revision.

Don't underestimate the stress your child may be feeling. If things seem to be getting too much, try to ensure that they don't bottle it up. Sit down and talk through problems calmly, or perhaps a teacher or other family member could help?

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.