Kids often feel nervous about tests and this can impact their outcomes. A child who feels anxiety about a test may have trouble focusing, and recalling information they know. Fortunately, most anxiety can be addressed and overcome. Try these strategies for relieving stress and anxiety when it comes to test day.
- Compliment the Process not the Product
Some students feel nervous about exams because they feel doing well can prove the are smart. If they don’t do well on an exam, they will feel like they are no longer smart. This adds a significant amount of pressure to kids taking a test. Instead of complimenting kids on how well they did on a test, compliment them on how hard they worked to achieve their goals. In their perception the test itself will not define them. This can relieve any anxiety about the outcome of the test.
- Talk or Write About Anxieties
It can be helpful for kids to simply get their worries out. If they are comfortable, talk to them about any fears or anxieties they might be having. Alternatively, if they would prefer not to talk about their anxieties, they can write them down. Just acknowledging anxiety can prevent it from having a negative effect on outcomes.
- Stick to a Regular Routine
While test day is a big deal, try not to make too much of it at home. Eat healthy meals and get plenty of sleep, but stick to your regular routine as much as possible. When you make a big fuss over a test, your child may put extra weight on it as well. They may begin to feel overwhelmed and anxious.
- Talk With a School Counselor
Some anxiety can overwhelm a student to the point of not being able to function at all. Talk with a school counselor about the root causes of the anxiety and how to set up a routine that will help your child cope with test anxiety. It is also possible that the school may be able to make special accommodations to help relieve anxiety.
These few strategies can help your child overcome their test anxiety. Help your child achieve their goals and be successful throughout school.
