Managing test anxiety
It seems like every year the pressure of school becomes more and more intense. College prep is starting in Elementary School. Between college prep, AP classes, STAAR testing, sports, and trying to maintain a social life, life can become overwhelming. Here’s where test anxiety enters the picture. With so much pressure put on grades and students’ future, it’s no wonder the fear of failing has become such a big topic as of recently. Don’t fret parents, there are some things you can do to help your child, and it doesn’t matter how old your child is!
Mindfulness
This is a big overarching term that means lots of things, but basically it focuses on staying in the present. The dread of college, and the future has children’s thoughts geared towards future worry and stress. Help your child focus on the good that they have in the present. If we are truly mindful (which is a hard practice for me, if I must admit) then we will find that there is little to worry about at this exact moment as I sit on my couch and type on my laptop. Mindfulness is being truly present in the exact moment you are in, not even two minutes in the past or future.
Positive Thoughts
With the fear of failing, children can often start to think negatively about themselves as they start comparing themselves to others and not feeling they can keep up with expectations (maybe even unrealistic expectations). Help your child redirect their thoughts to all that they have accomplished, and what makes them so wonderful. Positive affirmations are a great place to start (You is kind, you is smart, you is important).
The pressure of school and the fear of failure can cause immense stress and anxiety in children. However, there are ways to combat these negative emotions. Encouraging mindfulness and positive thoughts can help children focus on the present moment and their accomplishments. But if test anxiety is causing significant distress and impairment, it's important to consider seeking professional help from a therapist in Flower Mound or Southlake near you. Remember that it's never too early or too late to start taking care of our mental health.
“Don’t believe every worried thought you have. Worried thoughts are notoriously inaccurate.”
-Renee Jain
Reach out to one of our therapists at Pineapple Counseling in Flower Mound, TX or Southlake, TX today!
