Test Stress And Fears

Some people have a fear of tests. For those of us that don’t, it seems hard to understand. But think of it this way. Do you have fear of heights or spiders or flying? Some people would answer 'yes' to this, and other people 'no'. But that's just the point. Many people have certain fears of certain things that others cannot relate to or they think it's silly or funny. So, some children fear tests and really stress out because of it.

It’s important to be able to help your child if they have a fear or stress from taking tests. Without some way to control this, they will have a very difficult time in school and their grades will suffer. In fact, when it's test day, some children actually get sick and can't go to school, and they are not feigning it either.

What should you do first? Well, talk to your child about why tests are given and explain that they help the teacher to understand the things the child has learned. Try to ease their fears that these tests are a judge of all their learning and self-worth. Explain to them that the test merely shows what they remember about that chapter in the textbook or notes that the teacher gave them or wrote on the board. Show them how other things they do in school also count towards their grade.

Second, make sure they know that you love them no matter what their test scores are. Let them know that there are more important things and that it isn’t such a big deal. Don’t downplay their fears but help them to know that it isn’t the worst thing.

Third, you might give them a practice test or ask some questions that will more likely be on the test. This is especially helpful if the teacher gave out a worksheet to study for the test. You might mention some techniques that will enable them to calm down and decrease stress. If it's a real problem, talk with their teacher for some ideas to help. It might be easier for them to test if they can work alone. It might be possible to allow them to talk their tests in the library while the other students are taking theirs in the classroom.

Their teacher might have other suggestions as well. It’s important to help your child alleviate their stress and fear of tests before it gets too bad. Unfortunately, taking tests is a big part of attending school, and it’s difficult to avoid. Give your child every chance to be successful in school. You might also mention to your children that a little tension before a test is a good thing. Why? Because it shows that 1)they're concerned about it, and 2)they have extra adrenalin and this added adrenalin can actually sharpen their awareness and keep them alert. So the tingly, butterflies-in-the-stomach before a test is a good thing.

This might help as well. Get your children ultimate study secrets. It has helped many kids make an A+ in an exam. But hey, even if your child doesn't make an A+, what if it helps them anyway, whatever grade they make.