Helping Your Child Overcome Test Anxiety

Tests can be stressful for students of all ages. For some, the pressure to perform leads to anxiety that makes it hard to concentrate, recall information, or show what they truly know. As a parent, you can play a big role in easing your child’s stress and building their confidence before and during test days.

Here are some practical ways to help:

• Normalize their feelings: Let your child know it’s normal to feel nervous before a test. Many students experience the same thing.

• Prepare gradually: Encourage short, consistent study sessions in the days leading up to the test instead of last-minute cramming.

• Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, stretching, or short mindfulness exercises can calm nerves before the test.

• Create a calm environment: The night before, ensure they get good rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and leave home feeling unhurried.

• Focus on effort, not perfection: Remind them that tests are just one way to measure learning, and progress is more important than a perfect score.

By teaching healthy coping strategies and offering encouragement, parents can help children approach tests with confidence rather than fear. Over time, students learn that they are capable of managing stress and showing what they’ve learned.