UK HealthCast: Test anxiety in kids and what parents can do to help

Does your child get nervous before a test? Maybe they complain of a stomachache, have trouble sleeping or even try to avoid school altogether. If so, they might be dealing with test anxiety – a very real issue that affects nearly 40% of children.

Dr. Colleen Cornelius, an expert in child behavior and assistant professor of pediatrics at UK HealthCare, shares helpful advice for families dealing with this common challenge.

Listen to the episode below or continue reading for key takeaways from Dr. Cornelius' conversation.

What Is test anxiety?

Test anxiety is more than just being a little nervous before a big exam. It’s a strong feeling of worry that can happen before, during or after a test. Some kids worry so much about how they will do — or, following an exam, how they did — that they can’t concentrate or do their best work.

It doesn’t just happen to students who struggle in school. Kids with perfect grades can suffer from test anxiety. Dr. Cornelius explains that some students always feel they must perform at their best and even when they’re well prepared, they still feel like they’re not ready. That’s where anxiety starts.

Signs of test anxiety

Test anxiety can start as early as elementary school and affect students of all ages. Some kids may say they’re scared or nervous, while others show it through physical symptoms or behavior. Be on the look for:

• Trouble sleeping
• Headaches or stomachaches
• Avoiding school
• Constant worry about grades

Where do kids feel pressure come from?

The pressure to do well can come from many places:

• Themselves: Some children push themselves to be perfect without realizing the toll it can take on them emotionally, mentally or physically.
• Friends: Kids might compare themselves to classmates, leading them to feel like they could have performed better even when their test performance is great.
• Family: Expectations from parents, siblings and other loved ones can play a role in how kids perceive their own performance.

How parents can help

It’s important for parents to think about all the ways their child might be feeling pressure and to help reduce it when possible.

Dr. Cornelius offers four big tips to help your child manage test anxiety:

• Teach smart study habits: Studying more isn’t always the answer. Instead of just rereading textbooks, kids should try:
  • Taking practice tests.
  • Making up and answering their own questions.
  • Studying a little bit each day instead of cramming the night before.

These techniques help kids remember information better and lowers stress. Study smarter!

• Plan for test day: Little changes can make a big difference. Encourage your child to:
  • Get to class early so they don’t feel rushed or in a panic.
  • Skim the test first to get a sense of what questions look like.
  • Do a “brain dump” of key info (like formulas) on scrap paper or in the test margin areas before starting the exam.
  • Use positive self-talk like, “I studied well. I’ve got this!”

And don’t forget: getting a good night’s sleep is always essential!

• Accept some anxiety: Feeling nervous before a test is normal, and potentially helpful: a little bit of anxiety can help kids focus. The problems start when they feel anxious about being anxious. 

Remind kids that it’s okay to feel a bit nervous.

• Use calming strategies: When anxiety becomes too much, kids can learn to calm themselves with techniques like deep breathing or using mindfulness apps.

Practicing all of these skills at home, when your kids are more likely to be calm, will help prepare them for what to do when stress hits. 

Start building healthy attitudes and habits around learning and testing early. Preschool isn’t too early to start laying the groundwork. 

Dr. Cornelius recommends praising effort over results. Say things like, “I’m proud of how hard you worked,” instead of focusing only on grades.

When to seek help

If your child’s anxiety continues despite your efforts, talk to their teacher, school counselor, or a therapist. Test anxiety is common and treatable. With the right support, kids can overcome it and feel confident again.

Test anxiety doesn’t have to hold your child back. With understanding, smart strategies, and support, they can learn to manage their nerves and shine when it counts!