The current school year is whizzing by, and testing season is just around the corner. It’s the time of year when backpacks are stuffed with review packets, and students start hearing a lot about test-taking strategies.

For many kids, test talk brings on a mix of emotions—some thrive on the challenge, while others feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even checked out. And for you, as a parent, it can be tricky to know how much to push, how much to reassure, and how to effectively support your child for testing.

If you’re wondering what you can do to help your child as year-end testing approaches, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about the biggest challenges testing presents and how to set your child up for success—without the stress.

Why End-of-Year Testing Feels So Overwhelming

Standardized tests and final exams don’t just assess what a child knows—they also challenge their stamina, focus, and test-taking mindset. That’s a big ask, especially for younger students or those already struggling with academics. Here’s why many kids find year-end testing tough:

• It’s a lot of material. These exams don’t just cover what was learned last week—they assess months of concepts all at once. Even the most confident learners can find the amount of information covered on comprehensive assessments overwhelming.
• Time pressure adds stress. For kids who like to double-check their work or generally need extra time to read and digest questions and passages, timed sections can feel like a race they weren’t trained for.
• The stakes feel high. Even if you assure your child that one test won’t define them, they hear plenty of messages reinforcing that their grade advancement could be at stake. That pressure can be hard to shake.
• Some kids just don’t test well. Maybe they overthink multiple-choice questions or freeze when they see a long reading passage. The reality is that a strong student doesn’t always equal a strong test taker.

How to Help Your Child Prepare for End-of-Year Testing Without Overloading Them

You don’t need to turn your home into a testing boot camp for your child to succeed. They likely already feel plenty of pressure at school, so instead, focus on these small but consistent ways to build their confidence and skills in the weeks leading up to testing.

1. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

It’s easy for kids to feel discouraged if they don’t ace every practice question. Remind them that the goal is improvement, not perfection. Celebrate small wins like finishing a practice section faster, correctly answering a tricky problem, or using a new test-taking strategy.

2. Make Review Time Short and Effective

We all know that cramming doesn’t work. Instead, break review time into brief, focused sessions (think 15-20 minutes daily). Use engaging formats like:

• Flashcards for quick recall of vocabulary or math facts.
• Games like quiz-style challenges to keep learning lighthearted.
• Active discussion where your child teaches you what they know—because explaining a concept is one of the best ways to solidify understanding.

3. Tackle Test Anxiety with Familiarity

Some of the stress of testing comes from the unknown. Take away the mystery by helping your child understand what to expect on test day. Review a practice test together to go over question formats and timing.

For anxious kids, teach simple relaxation strategies like deep breathing or positive self-talk (“I don’t have to be perfect; I just have to try my best”). A little self-reassurance can go a long way if a child knows how and when to use strategies to lessen test anxiety.

4. Keep Routines Stable and Supportive

A well-rested, well-fed, and calm child will always test better than an overtired, stressed-out one. In the days before testing:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule (yes, even on weekends!).
• Make breakfast count—something with protein and complex carbs for steady energy will feed your child’s brain and body.
• Avoid last-minute cramming sessions, as they usually do more harm than good by cluttering the mind and increasing anxiety.

5. Remind Them That a Test Is Just a Test

It’s easy for kids (and parents) to feel like test scores define intelligence or future success, but they don’t. Let your child know that one exam doesn’t measure all of their talents, creativity, or potential.

And if they do struggle? That’s what learning is all about. The greater goals are making progress and working through challenges. 

6. Teach Smart Test-Taking Strategies

Kids aren’t always taught how to take a test—they’re just expected to know. Help your child build strategies like:

• Eliminating obviously wrong answers in multiple-choice questions.
• Reading directions carefully before rushing in.
• Using scratch paper for math and working through problems step by step.
• Not getting stuck on one question—moving on and returning to difficult test items later.

A little strategy goes a long way in boosting confidence and helping your child demonstrate what they know.

7. Keep a Positive Tone About Testing

It’s easy to vent about the stress of the testing season, but kids pick up on our feelings and thoughts. If they hear that tests are unfair or a waste of time, they’re more likely to approach them with frustration or dread. Instead, keep the messaging positive:

• “This is just a chance to show what you know.”
• “It’s okay if you don’t know everything—you just need to try your best.”
• “I’m proud of you for working so hard.”

Your attitude shapes their mindset more than you might think!

Let Best in Class Education Center Help Boost Your Child’s Confidence

If your child could use extra academic support before this year’s end-of-year testing season, we’re here for you. Best in Class Education Center offers tutoring that helps students sharpen their skills, build confidence, and feel ready to tackle tests with less stress.

Reach out today to learn how we can help your child feel prepared—not pressured—this spring.