Does your child have test taking anxiety? Did you struggle with testing as a child? No matter what our personal feelings are on standardized or state testing, it has become an important part of a child’s academic experiences. While we do want our children to be successful, we also want to provide them with the strategies and reassurance that will support them in entering the testing experience with encouragement and confidence.

On Test Day

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast.

  • It is recommended that children in elementary and middle school should get between 9-12 hours of sleep.

  • Teens should get between 8-10 hours of sleep.

• Offer your child a source of protein and whole grains for a test day breakfast.

  • Yogurt, toast, oatmeal, a cheese stick, or eggs are great options.

  • If your child has a “nervous” stomach, you could offer a smoothie with fruit or child friendly protein powder or a granola bar.

  • Pick food items that are not too high in sugar to limit a possible energy crash during the test.

• Make sure your child is prepared.

  • Determine if your child has the necessary pencils, erasers, paper, or calculators for the type of test they are going to be taking.

• Remain positive!

  • Staying calm will help your child to stay calm.

  • Practice a short 5-minute breathing exercise, like this square breathing video demonstrates.

  • Utilize positive affirmations!

    • I feel relaxed and confident during tests.

    • I am looking forward to a great score on this test.

    • I am a good student.

    • I am smart and have a good memory.

    • I am always focused during exams.

• Review strategies your child can implement when he/she is testing.

  • Read the passage carefully and re-read the directions and information.

  • Examine each answer before making a choice.

  • Check your work.

  • Cross out answers that you know are wrong.

After Testing

• Remind your child that testing does not define their skills as an individual.

• Discuss with them that information is being obtained from testing to develop their strengths and support their weaknesses.

• Celebrate the effort your child put forth and congratulate them on doing their best.

While test anxiety is very common in children, we, as parents, can have a positive impact to replace their fears with confidence and prepare them to succeed. Remind your child how much they are loved, that you believe in him/her, and that doing their best is all that matters.

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