Helping Your Child with School Tests

School tests are an unavoidable part of most children’s lives. Some children take them in their stride, whereas others feel a lot of pressure to do well. Exam times can be unsettling for parents, too. It’s natural to worry about your child. But as parents, you can help your children to develop good preparation habits and strategies for coping with nerves around tests.

The stress of taking tests is just as likely to affect primary school students as it is secondary school students, so it may be wise to keep an eye out for any changes in your child around the time of their exams. The signs of exam stress may be harder to spot in younger children who may not recognise or be able to say how they’re feeling. This is what to look out for:

Signs of stress

• Mood changes, such as being tearful, angry, or withdrawn.

• Not wanting to go to school.

• Complaining of stomach aches, headaches, or other physical symptoms.

• Spending excessive amounts of time on homework or revision, or hiding or avoiding schoolwork.

• A reluctance to talk about school or exams.

• Changes in their sleeping or eating habits.

• Low self-esteem, such as calling themselves ‘stupid’ or saying they’re ‘rubbish’ at certain subjects.

• Reacting strongly if they make mistakes in their work, or if you encourage them to have a break.