Helping kids feel calm, confident, and supported during testing season.

It’s testing season — and if your child is suddenly complaining of stomach aches, trouble sleeping, or a mystery headache that only seems to show up on test day, it might not be a bug. It could be test anxiety.

As parents, we all want our children to do their best. But sometimes, the pressure of a “big test” becomes overwhelming for kids, and instead of showing what they know, they freeze up or shut down.

What is Test Anxiety?
Test anxiety is a type of performance anxiety. It's that feeling of worry or fear that can happen before or during a test — and it’s more common than you might think. A little nervousness is normal, but when it gets in the way of thinking clearly or performing well, it’s time to pay attention.

What Are the Signs?
Every child is different, but some signs of test anxiety might include:

• Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or trouble sleeping

• Avoiding school or specific classes

• Crying or becoming easily frustrated when talking about schoolwork

• Trouble concentrating or seeming “checked out” during homework or studying

• Saying things like “I’m going to fail” or “I’m just not smart enough”

Why Does This Happen?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few common reasons kids may experience test anxiety:

• Fear of failure – especially if they’ve tied their worth to grades

• Perfectionism – wanting to get everything exactly right can become paralyzing

• Past struggles – if a child has had difficulty with learning or testing before, they may worry it will happen again

• Pressure (even when it's unintentional) – sometimes kids feel pressure from home, school, or even themselves

How Can You Help?
Here are a few simple ways you can support your child during testing season:

1. Talk About It
Let your child know that test anxiety is real — and it’s okay to talk about it. Share a time when you were nervous about something and how you handled it. Kids often feel less alone when they know their feelings are normal.

2. Focus on Effort, Not Just Outcome
Celebrate hard work, not just high scores. A simple “I’m proud of how hard you studied” can go a long way in shifting their mindset.

3. Create a Calm Routine
Help your child get enough sleep, eat a good breakfast, and have some quiet time in the morning before testing. Even just a few deep breaths or a moment to listen to music can help them start the day with a calm mind.

4. Practice Positive Talk
Help them replace “I’m going to fail” with “I’ve prepared, and I’ll do my best.” You can even write encouraging notes to put in their backpack or lunchbox.

5. Know When to Reach Out
If your child’s anxiety is affecting their daily life or well-being, talk to their teacher or school counselor. Our schools are here to support not just learning, but emotional health, too.

Test anxiety can feel overwhelming — but with the right support, kids can learn to manage their fears and build confidence over time. As a parent, your calm, steady encouragement matters more than you know.

Let them know: It’s not about being perfect — it’s about showing up, trying their best, and knowing they are more than a test score.

And remember — if you’re concerned about your child’s stress, behavior, or emotional well-being during testing season, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their teacher or school counselor. We’re here to support your child academically and emotionally — every step of the way.