Hi Everyone,

Here in Texas we are getting ready for the state mandated tests to be given this spring. Because at certain grade levels passing the tests is a requirement for advancing to the next grade or getting your high school diploma, there is a lot of stress involved for teachers, students and parents.

As a teacher or parent, if you know that a child has test anxiety, you can help with that by tapping on the fear. "Even though I'm afraid I will fail the test, I'm still a great kid." "Even though just thinking about the test makes me nervous, I'm still a great kid." If you can get your child to tell you how the anxiety or fear manifests in his or her body, you can tap on that very effectively. "Even though my brain starts to freeze when I think about the test...Even though my chest gets tight....Even though my stomach (or head) hurts..."

After you have tapped on the "bad stuff", you can start offering a more positive choice: "Even though my brain freezes up when I take a test, I choose for my brain to feel calm and relaxed." "Even though my stomach starts hurting when I have a test, I choose for my stomach to feel peaceful and happy."

Teachers and Parents, you can tap for yourselves, too. "Even though I'm really worried about Johnny passing the test, I'm a great parent and he's a great kid." "Even though I'm afraid for my child, I choose to release the fear." "Even though I'm worried about Sally passing the test, she's a great kid, and I love her no matter what." "Even though I'm worried some of the students won't pass the test, I'm a great teacher and I did my best for them."

Children are already under a lot of stress. When the adults around them are also stressed, everything intensifies. It's important for children to know that they are loved and accepted whether or not they pass the test. If they are calm and relaxed, they have a much better chance of doing their best.

Good luck!

Hugs and Blessings,

Syandra