How To Help Your Child With Testing Anxiety
It’s hard to think about children dealing with anxiety for any reason. Unfortunately, many things can trigger it. Your child might not typically be anxious, but when they have to take a test, they become overwhelmed.
Kids take tests seriously. Thinking about an upcoming test or quiz can cause fear, making your child think about all of the “what ifs” that could occur if they don’t do well.
Unfortunately, test anxiety can be a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy. If your child is anxious about testing, they’re less likely to focus and might not perform to the best of their ability.
So, what can you do to help your child with testing anxiety? Let’s cover a few useful tips.
Planning and Practicing
One of the best ways to help your child deal with test anxiety is to plan ahead as much as possible. Studying is one thing, and it’s important to encourage them to study the test material for a few weeks ahead of time.
However, you should also consider providing them with a few practice tests. If their teacher knows about their anxiety, you might be able to work with them on coming up with practice questions. You can also create them on your own.
This kind of planning and execution allows your child to get comfortable with the test-taking process. Repetition and practice can help ease anxiety.
Building Confidence
It’s easy for negative self-talk to take over when you’re dealing with anxiety. Children who are anxious about taking a test might start to believe that they’re not good enough or that they’re not smart. They might even tell themselves they’ll fail no matter what.
You can help them fight back against those negative thoughts. Talk about their strengths and best qualities. Boost their self-esteem by focusing on their skills. Encourage positive self-talk, instead of letting them give in to negativity.
You might go so far as to teach your child a positive mantra. Consider having them repeat something like, “I am really good at math!” or “I’m gonna rock this!”
Teaching Relaxation
Once anxiety takes hold, it can feel nearly impossible to focus on anything else. That can create a vicious cycle that makes your child even more anxious about an upcoming test.
Teaching them relaxation techniques to use before and during the test can make a big difference. These techniques will make your child’s anxiety seem less overwhelming. They’ll get the chance to focus on the things that matter rather than their worries.
The relaxation techniques you teach are up to you. However, mindfulness and meditation are often quick and effective. Even something as simple as deep breathing exercises can go a long way in helping your child calm down on test day.
Working With The Teacher
If your child is still struggling, consider talking to their teachers. Educators want the best for their students. They want kids to succeed and are often willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
If your child’s teacher knows they’re anxious about taking tests, they might work with you to come up with some solutions. That might include giving your child an option to write a paper instead. Or, they might be able to take their tests privately. Don’t hesitate to suggest different options until you find something that works for your child.
Again, it can be hard to see your child dealing with anxiety of any kind. If you’re worried that their testing anxiety might be linked to something more or these strategies aren’t helping, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact me today to set up an appointment for child counseling.
