Counseling Connection, March 27, 2026

 Each week the counseling department will send out an article, podcast, or video designed to connect you with insights about technology, emotional health, or career pathways related to your teen. Click here to learn more about the MJHS counseling team.

 

5 Tips to Reduce Test Anxiety in Children 

It's the big test day at school, and your child is tense, shaky, and complaining of a stomachache. There’s a name for that: “test anxiety.” Unfortunately, with the increasing prevalence of standardized testing, test anxiety is also on the rise. Most students say that they’re more stressed by schoolwork and tests than by anything else in their lives. 16-20% of students have high test anxiety, and another 18% have moderately high test anxiety. Test anxiety increases mistakes, reduces reasoning and working memory, creates confusion, and lowers test scores. More importantly, it’s harmful to the well-being of our children. With the average American student in public schools sitting for 112 standardized tests in their academic career, it’s hard to get away from stressful end-of-year tests. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to help your child feel more relaxed and confident heading into the test. Click here to learn more about reducing test anxiety in children.