Maybe your child has been expressing a lot of anxiety around tests in school. They might have done poorly on one test. Now, they seem to get nervous about every subsequent test. Even if their grades have improved, they can’t shake their poor performance. On the other hand, your child might have done well on all of their tests so far, but earning good grades doesn’t seem to alleviate their anxiety. They still become highly stressed in the days leading up to a test.
Alternatively, your child might consistently have trouble with tests, and they may feel ashamed of their grades. You want to help them, not punish them, but you know you need to address their anxiety along with their study skills.
No matter your child’s specific reasons for test anxiety, you can help them overcome their stress. Here are a few ways to address your child’s test anxiety.
Create a Study Plan
First, work with your child to create a consistent study schedule. Check in to find out the dates of upcoming tests, and work backward to set up a routine. Depending on the subject, your child might need more or less time to study for the test.
You can reward your child when they’re done studying, and you can ask if there are any concepts they still need help with. You might be able to quiz them on these subject areas, or look up additional study resources.
Check in on Lifestyle Habits
Your child’s habits could be exacerbating their anxiety. They might be staying up late because of excessive screen time, or they may have a lot of pent-up nervous energy due to a lack of physical activity.
You may need to adjust some of their routines so that they stick with healthier habits throughout the day. This can help them feel calmer when they have an upcoming test.
Talk About Coping Skills
Even if your child is prepared for a test, they still might feel anxious when they sit down at their desk to actually start the exam. You can equip them with simple coping skills that they can use to reduce their anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises, or slowly counting backward from ten to calm down.
Additionally, you can make sure they eat a healthy breakfast the morning before a test so that they can focus easily once they arrive at school.
Reduce the Pressure
Your child might be anxious about tests because they’re worried about facing serious consequences if they fail. Talk to your child about providing them with support if they do poorly on a test rather than punishment.
For example, if they continually struggle with a particular subject, you might tell them that rather than having a privilege taken away, they’ll have to balance their other hobbies with additional study time.
Reach Out to Their Teacher
As a parent, you may not be able to address your child’s test anxiety entirely on your own. That’s okay! You might not have a deep understanding of the subject they’re having trouble with. Alternatively, you may be concerned that their anxiety merits professional support.
If you feel like you’re in over your head, it’s time to reach out to their teacher. They may be able to provide your child with additional support during class or after school. Furthermore, they can connect your child with a school counselor if necessary, who can refer your child to a therapist if their anxiety is severe.
Are you concerned about your child’s test anxiety? Therapy can help them gain confidence. Fill out our contact form to learn more about our online and in-person child counseling services.