Share these tips to help your teen handle test-taking fears:

• Don’t wait until the last minute. Cramming is not a good study strategy, and it’s not good for nerves either. Starting to study well ahead of time can help your teen feel more confident, and more relaxed on test day.

• Know the material. If he knows it so well that it’s almost second nature, he’ll have less reason to fear it.

• Use your best learning style. Some teens will learn better if they talk out loud. Others learn better if they close their eyes and picture the material in their heads.

• Remember past successes. Mention something your teen did well in the past. This helps cut down on the “I can’t do anything right, I’m going to fail this test” syndrome.

• Take care of yourself. Your teen will do his best and feel his best if he gets a good night’s sleep, eats a good breakfast on test day, and avoids junk food, coffee and sodas.

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