How to Help Your Child Succeed at State Testing: Positive Affirmations

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How are we in the thick of spring time already? Weren’t we just changing the Elf in the middle of the night?

As the school year is coming to an end, you know what that means. The dreaded State testing for your child. Statewide testing can be a significant source of stress for students across the nation. As parents, understanding how to support your child during this period is crucial.

This guide offers practical strategies to help your child stay calm, manage anxiety, and approach tests with confidence. Additionally, we’ve included 25 positive affirmations and 25 lighthearted jokes to uplift your child’s spirits during their testing days.

You can give these to their teacher to put on their desk, or simply put in their lunchbox. A hand-written note from Mom and Dad can go a long way!

Staying Calm and Mindful: Strategies for Parents and Children

Test anxiety is a common challenge among students, often manifesting as fear, worry, or physical symptoms like headaches and nausea. To help your child manage this anxiety:

• Establish a Consistent Study Routine: A structured schedule can reduce uncertainty and build confidence. Encourage regular study times and breaks to prevent burnout.​
• Teach Relaxation Techniques: Introduce deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help your child stay centered and reduce stress.​
• Promote a Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, nutrition, and physical activity, all of which contribute to overall well-being and stress reduction.​
• Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their fears and concerns about testing. Listening empathetically can alleviate feelings of isolation.​

For more insights on managing test anxiety, consider watching the following video:​YouTube

Helping Your Child Cope with Test Anxiety

Parental support plays a pivotal role in helping children navigate test-related stress. Here are some ways to assist:

Seek Professional Support if Needed: If anxiety becomes overwhelming, consider consulting a school counselor or mental health professional for additional strategies

Focus on Effort, Not Just Outcomes: Emphasize the importance of doing one’s best rather than fixating solely on scores. This approach fosters a growth mindset.​

Provide Perspective: Remind your child that while tests are important, they don’t define their worth or intelligence.​

Practice Mindfulness Together: Engage in mindfulness activities as a family to model stress-reduction techniques and show solidarity.​

Have you heard of Lindsey Gurk on social media? She is an incredible mom, wife, business owner, and creator of “Get Your Pink Back.” One thing she does with her kids every day is say this chant below. I have started saying it with my kids in the morning before school and it’s unbelievable how much it cheers them up and empowers them to have a good day!

@lindseygurk Replying to @coffeelovinmom19 Here’s the cheer I say with my kids 🥰 #toddlermom #momoftwo #positiveaffirmations #fyp ♬ original sound – Lindsey Gurk

It honestly also hypes me up too! I am so hopeful it will help make your mornings better as well!

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25 Positive Affirmations for Your Child

Incorporating affirmations can boost your child’s confidence and reduce anxiety. Here are 25 affirmations you can share:

1. I am prepared and ready for this test.​
2. I have studied hard and know the material.​
3. I am calm, focused, and confident.​
4. I can handle any challenge that comes my way.​
5. I believe in myself and my abilities.​
6. I am more than my test score.​
7. I have the power to control my stress.​
8. I am intelligent and capable.​
9. I trust myself to make good choices.​
10. I am proud of my hard work and dedication.
11. I approach this test with a positive attitude.​
12. I am resilient and can overcome obstacles.​
13. I have a sharp mind and a strong memory.​
14. I am in control of my breathing and my body.​
15. I am capable of achieving great results.​
16. I remain calm under pressure.​
17. I am focused and free from distractions.​
18. I have a positive mindset and believe in success.​
19. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow.​
20. I trust in my preparation and knowledge.
21. I am doing my best, and that is enough.​
22. I release all anxiety and embrace calmness.​
23. I am confident in my ability to answer each question.​
24. I have the skills needed to succeed.​
25. I am at peace with the outcome, knowing I did my best.​
    

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25 Corny and Clever Jokes to Make Them Laugh

Laughter can be a great stress reliever. Share these jokes with your child to lighten the mood:

School-related Jokes:

Sports-Related Jokes:

16. Why did the football coach go to the bank?
    He wanted his quarterback!
17. Why is tennis such a loud sport?
    Because the players raise a racquet.
18. Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants?
    In case he got a hole in one.
19. Why did the baseball player get arrested?
    Because he stole second base.
20. Why did the soccer player bring string to the game?
    So he could tie the score.
21. Why did the basketball player go to jail?
    Because he shot the ball.
22. Why did the gymnast put extra salt on her food?
    She wanted to do more somersaults.
23. Why did the baseball team hire a singer?
    Because they needed a new pitch.
24. Why did the soccer ball quit the team?
    It was tired of being kicked around.
25. Why did the tennis player get a job at the bakery?
    Because he was good at serving.

Sharing these lighthearted jokes can help ease the tension and bring a smile to your child’s face during testing periods. Laughter is a great way to reduce stress and create positive associations with challenging situations.

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🎯 Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Standardized tests like the TCAP here in Tennessee might feel like a big deal, but they don’t define how awesome, smart, kind, or unique your child truly is. Whether your child is feeling like a total rockstar or needs a little extra pep in their step, your love and support make the biggest difference. A few encouraging notes, silly jokes, and heartfelt affirmations tucked into their lunchbox or backpack can go a long way in helping them face each day with confidence.

So go ahead—tape a cheesy pun to their pencil box, sneak a superhero-style pep talk into their snack bag, and remind them that effort always matters more than perfection. The test might be timed, but their brilliance is timeless.

And hey, no matter what the score says, you’ve already won the parenting game by showing up, cheering them on, and filling their week with laughter and love. You’re their safe place, and that’s more powerful than any scantron sheet.

Now go sharpen those #2 pencils… you’ve got this! 💪✏️📚

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