How can I talk to my child about test anxiety? 

Parenting Perspective 

Normalise Their Feelings 

Many children feel worried or even panicked before a test. They might fear disappointing you, their teachers, or themselves. If left unspoken, this worry can grow into stomach aches, tears, or giving up before they even try. Start by reminding your child that feeling nervous before a test is normal. Use calm words: ‘Your feelings show that you care and want to do well. That is a good sign, but we do not want that worry to become too big.’ 

Break the Fear Down into Small Steps 

Help your child break the fear down into manageable steps. Talk through what the test will look like, when it will happen, and what they can do if they feel stuck during it. Practise simple calming strategies at home, such as taking a deep breath before answering a difficult question. Create a short plan: ‘If you feel worried during the test, you can pause, breathe, and then move to an easier question.’ Praise their effort in preparing, not just their results. Reassure them that one test does not define their worth or their future. Share your own memories of feeling anxious about tests and what helped you to cope. Over time, your warm support teaches your child that they are never alone with this worry and that their effort matters more than perfection. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam reminds us that results are always in Allah Almighty’s hands, but we are rewarded for our sincere effort. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Najam (53), Verse 39: 

‘And they shall be nothing (to account) for mankind except what he has undertaken.‘

Teach your child that their job is to prepare and try their best, and then to trust Allah Almighty with the outcome. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3372, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Dua is worship. ‘

Encourage your child to make a short Dua before the test: ‘Ya Allah, help me remember what I have learned and keep my heart calm.’ This helps them to turn their worry into hope. Remind them that their value is not tied to marks but to their patience, honesty, and effort. When they link test-taking with trust in Allah Almighty’s plan, they grow stronger inside and learn that every exam is a chance to practise Tawakkul, Sabr, and courage—qualities that please Allah Almighty far more than any number on a page.