Let your teen manage anxiety with stress-relieving strategies

Whether they are preparing for their driver's test or a big state exam, today's teens have to learn how to perform well under pressure. Teens who are stressed may end up performing poorly.

Here's how you can help your teen manage test stress:

• Put things in perspective. Help your teen see that tests are just part of life – like cleaning his room or going to the dentist. He should try to do his best on tests. However, your teen should also realize that a test reflects what happened on one day in his life. If your teen does poorly on a test, that doesn't mean he is a failure.
• Teach relaxation techniques. Teach your teen to tense and then relax muscles. Start by tightening the toes, counting to three, and then relaxing. Move up the legs, arms, shoulders, neck and head. After doing this, your teen will feel more relaxed.
• Visualize. Athletes practice "seeing" themselves making the goal. They say this rehearsal makes it easier when game time comes. Help your teen do the same, picturing himself feeling confident and prepared.

Reprinted with permission from the March 2008 issue of Parents Still make the difference! (High School Edition) newsletter. Copyright ©2008 The Parent Institute, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Scott Mandel, Improving Test Scores, ISBN: 1-569-76202-3 (Zephyr Press, an imprint of Chicago Review Press, 1-800-232-2187, www.zephyrpress.com).