• Keep their routine consistent
and dependable. (Testing brings enough unknowns.)
• Encourage them to talk about
their worries or fears. (Ask how they are feeling about testing, school,
friends, and activities.) This will give them an opportunity to share.
• Listen without judging or
criticizing. (Their concerns may seem silly to you. Children have a
different perspective. Sometimes kids just want to be heard and validated.)
• Spend time relaxing together.
(See “Relax in 10 Easy Steps” for ideas.)
• Encourage them to be physically
active. (A quick walk outside when dressed properly, even on a blustery
day, can do wonders for stress relief and mood!)
• Make sure they are eating
healthy foods.
• Provide structure for your
children to get plenty of sleep. (TV can suck up a lot of useless time.
Reduce TV watching before and during testing weeks. Use relaxation techniques
or read to unwind before bedtime.)
• Get things prepared the
night before when possible (lunches packed, homework done and put in
backpacks, notices signed, etc.) so that the morning isn’t too
rushed.
• Use the practice materials
that will be coming home to familiarize your children (and you) with
the testing format.
• Share specific things you
are proud of them for and the reasons why. (Have they been: more responsible
for their homework lately? Treating their younger siblings nicer? Staying
out of trouble in school? Continuing to work hard in a subject that
is usually difficult for them?) Use any opportunity to catch them being
good. Positive thoughts can often help bring positive results.