How to Help Your Child Study for Standardized Tests Without Stress

Standardized tests can bring a lot of pressure—not just for students, but for parents too. Whether your child is preparing for state assessments like the NJSLAs, or entrance exams such as the SSAT, COOP, or ISEE, it’s natural to want them to perform well. However, too much stress can make the experience overwhelming and counterproductive.

At PALS Learning Center North Edison, we believe that test prep doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right mindset, strategies, and support, your child can build the skills they need to succeed—while staying calm and confident.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can help your child study for standardized tests effectively, manage anxiety, and feel ready on test day.

Why Do Standardized Tests Cause Stress?

Standardized testing can feel intimidating for several reasons:

High expectations from school or family
Unfamiliar question formats or time limits
Fear of poor performance affecting advancement
Pressure to get into selective schools or programs
Comparisons to classmates or siblings

These factors can lead to test anxiety, which may impact performance regardless of how much a student has studied. The key is to shift the focus from perfection to preparation.

Signs Your Child Might Be Stressed About Testing

Some children express stress openly, while others keep it to themselves. Watch for these signs:

Avoiding test prep or homework
Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
Headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints
Increased irritability or mood swings
Negative self-talk like “I’m going to fail” or “I’m not smart enough”

If you notice any of these behaviors, it’s important to offer reassurance and support—not more pressure.

How to Help Your Child Study Without the Stress

Here are research-backed, parent-approved strategies to help your child study for standardized tests in a healthy, manageable way.

1. Start Early and Create a Study Schedule

One of the biggest causes of stress is cramming at the last minute. To avoid this:

Begin studying at least 6–8 weeks in advance
Break study sessions into small chunks (30–45 minutes)
Use a calendar to plan review days, practice tests, and rest days
Rotate subjects and test sections to avoid burnout

A consistent schedule helps build routine and makes the workload feel manageable.

2. Use Practice Tests Strategically

Practice tests are incredibly helpful when used correctly. They help students:

Get familiar with the test format
Learn how to pace themselves
Identify which areas need more review
Gain confidence from seeing progress over time

Start with untimed tests to build accuracy, then move to timed practice closer to test day. Focus on reviewing mistakes together rather than simply correcting them.

3. Create a Calm and Productive Study Environment

Set your child up for success with a distraction-free space. Ideally, it should be:

Quiet, clean, and well-lit
Stocked with pencils, notebooks, and a timer
Away from phones, TVs, and other electronics (unless used for learning)

Keep sessions short and focused. Quality always matters more than quantity when it comes to studying.

4. Focus on Strategies, Not Just Content

Knowing the material is important—but so is knowing how to approach the test. Teach your child:

How to eliminate wrong answers in multiple-choice questions
How to underline key words in reading passages
When to skip a question and come back later
How to manage time effectively on each section
How to plan short written responses or essays

These test-taking skills can make a big difference in performance—and help reduce panic during the actual exam.

5. Make Studying Interactive and Fun

If studying feels like a chore, students will tune out. Try these alternatives:

Use flashcards, apps, or quiz games
Turn vocabulary review into a drawing challenge
Solve math problems on a whiteboard together
Offer small incentives (stickers, rewards, points) for reaching milestones

The more enjoyable the process, the more likely your child will retain what they’re learning.

6. Avoid Over-Scheduling and Allow Time to Recharge

Too many activities—especially during test prep season—can increase stress. Make sure your child has:

Time to rest and relax
Outdoor play or physical activity
Creative time for drawing, building, or music
Screen-free downtime before bed

A balanced routine supports better focus, memory, and emotional health.

7. Talk About the Test Calmly and Positively

Your attitude toward testing will shape your child’s mindset. Avoid phrases like:

“You need to get a perfect score”
“This test determines your future”
“If you don’t pass, we’ll be disappointed”

Instead, try:

“Let’s focus on doing your best.”
“This test is just one part of your learning.”
“You’ve been working hard, and that matters most.”

Remind your child that they are more than a test score—and that growth is just as important as results.

8. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Help your child stay grounded by teaching simple strategies to stay calm:

Deep breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4)
Positive affirmations (e.g., “I am prepared. I can do this.”)
Visualization (picturing a calm, successful test day)
Stretching or light movement before a study session

These techniques can also be used on test day to stay focused and reduce anxiety.

9. Seek Professional Support if Needed

Sometimes, children need more than home support to succeed. Tutoring can:

Offer expert guidance on challenging topics
Provide structured, personalized learning plans
Build test-taking strategies and academic confidence
Reduce frustration for both students and parents

At PALS Learning Center North Edison, we provide targeted test prep tutoring for NJSLAs, SSAT, COOP, and more—with experienced educators who understand how to support students without overwhelming them.

Test Day Tips to Keep Stress Low

As the big day approaches, help your child prepare by:

Getting a good night’s sleep
Eating a healthy breakfast
Arriving early to avoid rushing
Packing everything needed (ID, pencils, snacks, water)
Offering encouragement instead of last-minute review

A calm, confident mindset is one of the best tools your child can bring with them into the testing room.

Final Thoughts

Standardized tests are a part of every student’s journey—but they don’t have to be a source of fear or burnout. With thoughtful preparation, encouragement, and healthy routines, your child can approach any test with clarity and confidence.

Whether they need support in reading, math, writing, or test-taking strategies, PALS Learning Center North Edison is here to help. Our programs are designed to reduce stress, build skills, and prepare students for success in school.

Give Your Child the PALS Advantage