Test Stress: Helping Children and Teens with Exam Anxiety

It is safe to say that high stakes testing in public education has changed into a commonplace issue for students and parents alike. While facing the yearly standard test is stress-producing for most kids, there are some youngsters for whom it is an an overpowering monster that evokes sensations of depression, anxiety, and outright fear. If your kid suffers from test taking anxiety, there are things that you can do to help her cope.

First, write down a list of things that trigger test taking anxiety for your child. Some good points to ask include, “What is it about taking the test that makes you feel scared?” “What do you think will happen when you get actually sit down to take the test?” “What do you really think will assist you in doing your best on the test?” Talk with your youngster about each answer. You may just be able to help her change some false sentiments about testing, which should be a great agent to relieve anxiety in and of itself.

Second, without minimizing the significance of the test, help her understand that testing is part of life. While significant, tests aren’t the sole gauge for what will define her as a person. Assure her of her strengths and talents and that you know she’ll be in a position to do her very best. This may help to alleviate general school anxiety, to give her confidence that her expertise in the highschool setting is wider than any individual test.

Finally, the night before the test, relieve anxiety that your youngster could be feeling by ensuring a peaceful evening and a fair bedtime. Prepare a good breakfast the morning of the test and check to confirm if your kids school allows a snack. Encourage your youngster with positive statements that inspire confidence. Be prepared with a special activity after the test that may allow your youngster to unwind, such as a special movie time together.

If you have tried helping your youngster and she continues to experience test anxiety, contact a licensed counselor who can provide further assistance, or talk with your kids school guidance counselor.

Jennifer Meehan MA, LPC of AchieveBalance.org has worked for the last 15 years in public education. Here she addresses how a parent can relieve anxiety common to youngsters at examination time. Test taking anxiety can be an an overwhelming pressure to children who are eager to perform well.

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