How to Help Your Teen Overcome Test Anxiety

It is very much normal for kids to feel nervous before a test. However, the problem arises when these feelings become strong enough to take the form of anxiety, which sometimes lead to physical symptoms such as headache, nausea, loss of concentration, etc. Test anxiety is like a noise that turns kids’ minds into a static mode, affecting their ability to think and recall, leading to poor grades. Simply follow these great tips to reduce test anxiety among your kids.

Makes Sure Your Kid is Fully Prepared for the Test

The lack of preparation is one of the several reasons behind test anxiety. Today’s digital generation easily gets distracted from studies. As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure your kids are giving proper time to studies. Ask them to refrain from using smartphones while preparing for tests, unless they need to use it for preparation purposes. You may also help them in finding the useful material related to the test from different online sources as there are various websites that offer free exercises and past tests. Sit with the kids few days before the test and develop a proper schedule for studying. Make sure they follow the schedule strictly as good study habits will help them in overcoming the fear and anxiety they may face at the time of the test. When kids know that they have done their best, they automatically start feeling relaxed and confident.

Foster Positive Attitude

The fear of failure is another major reason behind test anxiety. Kids start to develop “What if” negative thoughts right before taking the tests. Questions like “What if I can’t pass the test”, “What if I am unable to complete the test within the given time”, “What if I forget the answers”, etc. causes frustration, leading to anxiety. You must teach kids how to address these and all other negative thoughts before sitting for a test. Science has proved that positive feelings of motivation and encouragement act as a natural remedy against anxiety. You must appreciate your kids for all their previous achievements and efforts to boost their confidence. Make them understand that tests are a routine activity and that they should not link test results with self-worth. Encourage kids to simply work hard and give it their best.

Make Sure Your Kid Gets Enough Sleep

Some kids stay awake the entire night before the test to revise the syllabus and ensure that are well prepared. This may look and sound good, but the fact of the matter is that it is not. It is not advised because the human body needs enough sleep to work properly. You must make sure that your kid gets at least 10 hours of sleep on the night before the test so that their mind is completely fresh and they have enough stamina and energy to complete the test within the given time.

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