Some children don’t sweat it when they know they have a test coming up. They sit at their desks with confidence and tackle each question without worry. But that isn’t the case for everyone.
Test anxiety is a very real thing. For children dealing with it, it can make the idea of taking a test feel overwhelming and scary. As test day draws nearer, that fear becomes even worse, until it can practically consume every thought.
Sound familiar? If you have a child with test anxiety, there are things you can do to help them manage and even overcome their fears. With a few helpful tips and techniques, you can make it easier for them to cope and feel more confident when their next test is presented.
So, what can you do to ease test anxiety for your child?
Target Specific Areas
One of the best ways to help your child cope with text anxiety is to learn everything you can about it. Ask them how they feel when they know they have a test. Ask what worries them when they take a test. By getting to the “root cause,” you’ll have a starting point. You’ll know what triggers your child and you can focus on the things causing their fear, rather than sweeping generalities.
Practice Test-Taking Skills
Your child could be anxious about taking tests because they’re not used to it. This is especially true for very young children who are still learning exactly how testing works.
Try running some practice tests at home. Create some sample questions and put together an environment similar to the one your child might experience in school. Give them a specific amount of time for the test, and “grade” it when they’re done.
Not only will practicing test-taking boost their confidence, but it’s a great study trick, too. They’ll feel better about the test process itself, as well as the material they’re supposed to know.
Help Them Relax
A child who is anxious about test-taking can easily become anxious about other things. The fear they experience over taking a test can start to become consuming, especially if it isn’t addressed.
One way to help them manage their anxiety, no matter the trigger, is to help them learn relaxation strategies that can reduce fear and block out negative self-talk.
Things like deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation techniques are great for kids who tend to be stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious. Not only can these measures help with physical relaxation, but they will help your child stay focused on the present. When they’re grounded in the moment, they’re less likely to worry about the “what ifs” that could be ahead.
Teach Them to Combat Negative Thoughts
Anxiety can often feel like a little voice inside your head, filling your mind with negativity. When a child hears those negative comments about themselves, it can make them feel like a failure before they even sit down to take a test.
Teach them to fight back against negative self-talk and replace it with positivity. Encourage them to be their own superhero and let them know that they can beat the “bad guy” by saying and thinking positive things about themselves whenever they’re feeling low.
Keep in mind that a little test anxiety can be normal. Tests are nerve-wracking, no matter how well you know the material. But you’ll be able to tell whether your child is experiencing test jitters or if they’re really struggling with anxiety. If it is anxiety and it’s impacting their academic performance or other areas of their life, use some of these tips to help them cope and move forward.
If you’re interested in seeking out additional support for your child and their emotional needs, Contact Us for more information or to set up a complimentary consultation.