TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

How Can I Help My Child Manage Test Anxiety?

ADVERTISEMENT

By BERNEY WILKINSON, PHD, Tribune Correspondent

Published: February 15, 2008

It's natural for students to get a little nervous before an exam. But with the increase in standardized tests designed to measure student and/or school success, even well-prepared kids are experiencing test anxiety that can interfere with their ability to perform. Whether it is the FCAT, SAT or ACT, students of all ages are exposed to tests that significantly impact their future.

While research indicates modest levels of stress actually may help motivate students to study and perform well, too much stress can disrupt their ability to remember and think clearly. Here are some signs to watch for to determine if test anxiety is becoming a problem for your child:

Tearfulness: Students of all ages frequently become tearful when overwhelmed. The tears may seem to come out of nowhere when a child is trying to do homework or studying. When asked, he or she may not be able to tell you why they are crying.

Frustration: Sometimes students become very irritable and easily frustrated. They will get angry over little things, especially when you ask if they've done their homework or are prepared for a test.

Worries: When test anxiety becomes an issue, it is usually verbalized as a worry. "What if I don't pass?" "What if I can't do it?" "What if I forget?" These are all questions that stressed students frequently ask themselves.

Avoidance: We typically avoid anything that makes us nervous, frustrated or worried. In children with test anxiety, this can be represented by fighting or lying about having to do homework, staying in the bedroom or procrastinating.

Feeling sick: When severely stressed, some students experience physical symptoms that may not be explained by medical causes. A child may complain of an upset stomach or headache as a way to avoid going to school and taking a test.

There are several ways parents can help their children get ready for big tests:

Stay involved: One reason children have such a difficult time with big tests is that they become overwhelmed at the last minute. Cramming the day before a test is a very poor substitute for studying over time. Parents should stay involved with their children's schoolwork and academic progress throughout the school year, and help their children develop study and time management skills needed to prevent burnout.

Listen attentively: Parents should listen and validate a child's feelings without adding more concern. Let your child's feelings about an upcoming test be heard. Students do not want to be told there is nothing to worry about, because they know it is not true.

Reassure: Once you've acknowledged that it's normal to feel scared about big tests, reassure your child that you will always care about him or her and be there to help no matter what the test score.

Prepare for the day: A good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast can help your child feel more prepared and less anxious when test day arrives.

If students experience severe test panic, they should be referred to a therapist or counselor.

Berney Wilkinson is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the USF Health Silver Child Development Center.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT