As GCSE and A-level results loom, parents and teenagers are starting to get jittery.

It's a natural reaction to the culmination of years of study but the experts warn parents and children to keep things in perspective and remember that if results aren't good, there are plenty of worthwhile options.

Consultant educational psychologist Christopher Nickolls says parents and children should use some of the time before results come out to prepare.

"Look at other universities or apprenticeships, so that if their grades aren't quite good enough, they have alternatives," he said.

He warns parents to remember that what's really important is their relationship with their child.

"There's a tendency for parents to attribute enormous importance to exam success," he said. "But that's dangerous if that's seen by the child as an indication of how much regard the parent has for them.

"What parents need to do in the build-up to results is show they love the child for what they are, and not just for what they achieve in exams, and that needs to be articulated to the child.

"Let them know that, if there are any problems with the results, they will be coped with as a family unit and they're not on their own.

"It's not helpful for the child to see this as an all or nothing' event, and parents have a real duty to ensure that whatever happens, they can put a positive spin on it."

That will often involve looking at the options available, which is where the local careers service can help.

Advisers will give information about alternative options, and who to contact.

Andrew Ottey of igen, a careers guidance service in Leeds linked to the national Connexions service, said: "The majority of young people will get the results they need.

"But if their grades aren't as good as they were expecting, they should remember there's a course out there for everyone, although they might need to review their choices."

And despite having lower grades, students may still be accepted on their course, or admissions tutors may be able to suggest alternative courses which will give them the qualifications to reapply in a year's time.

Sixth-form colleges may also suggest a suitable alternative, while teachers, learning mentors and Connexions personal advisers can help students review their options.

Mr Ottey adds: "It's such a minefield of different options and routes that it can be difficult to understand, but if students and parents speak to a Connexions adviser it will really help establish what the best options are.

"Don't panic. Bad results are not the end of the world."