The Role of Parents in Standardized Test Preparation: Dos and Don’ts

28 October 2025

Standardized testing has become a crucial factor in shaping a student’s academic future. Whether it's the SAT, ACT, GRE, or any other major test, the pressure to perform well is undeniable. While schools and tutors play a role, parents are often the backbone of a child’s preparation. But how can parents provide the right support without adding to the stress? That’s where the dos and don’ts come into play.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best (and worst) ways parents can help their children navigate standardized test preparation effectively.

Why Parental Involvement Matters

Parents play an essential role in shaping their child's attitude toward test preparation. Supportive and constructive involvement can help reduce anxiety, improve confidence, and create a structured study environment. However, excessive pressure or micromanagement can have the opposite effect—leading to burnout, frustration, and even resentment.

So, how can parents strike the perfect balance? Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of test prep.

The Dos: How Parents Can Positively Support Their Child's Test Prep

1. Encourage, Don’t Pressure

Your child is already dealing with test anxiety, peer competition, and high expectations. The last thing they need is more pressure from home. Instead of interrogating them daily about their scores or practice tests, offer encouragement. A simple "I believe in you" can work wonders.

2. Create a Study-Friendly Environment

A cluttered or noisy space can make studying even harder. Help your child by setting up a quiet, organized study area with minimal distractions. Good lighting, comfortable seating, and access to necessary resources (pens, paper, textbooks, etc.) can create a productive atmosphere.

3. Teach Time Management Skills

One of the biggest challenges students face is managing their time effectively. Structure can make a world of difference. Help them draft a daily or weekly study schedule that balances schoolwork, test prep, breaks, and relaxation. A calendar or planner can be a great tool here.

4. Provide Emotional Support

Test prep can be overwhelming. Sometimes, your child just needs to vent. Be there to listen. Let them express their concerns, fears, and frustrations without judgment. Offer reassurance that their self-worth is not defined by a test score.

5. Encourage Healthy Habits

Believe it or not, test success isn't just about book smarts—it's also about physical and mental well-being. Encourage:

- A healthy diet rich in brain-boosting foods like nuts, fish, and leafy greens.
- Proper sleep habits (7–9 hours per night).
- Regular exercise to reduce stress and boost focus.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement

Celebrate small wins. Did they improve their score slightly? Did they stick to their study plan? Acknowledge it! A little recognition goes a long way in keeping motivation high.

7. Be Familiar with the Test Format

You don’t have to be an expert, but understanding the basics of the test your child is taking can help you provide better guidance. Look up sections, timing, key question types, and strategies. This will allow you to discuss strategies with them without feeling lost.

8. Hire a Tutor if Necessary

If your child is struggling with certain subjects or concepts, consider professional help. A tutor can provide personalized guidance and strategies that you may not be able to offer.

9. Encourage Practice Tests

Standardized tests are all about strategy. Practice tests help students familiarize themselves with timing, question patterns, and areas of weakness. Encourage your child to take full-length, timed practice exams under real testing conditions.

The Don’ts: What Parents Should Avoid

1. Don’t Set Unrealistic Expectations

Every child is different. Expecting perfect scores or comparing them to a high-achieving sibling or friend is counterproductive. Set realistic goals based on their strengths and weaknesses.

2. Don’t Micromanage Every Study Session

Hovering over your child every time they study will do more harm than good. Trust them to follow their study plan without constant supervision. Give them space to learn and make mistakes on their own.

3. Don’t Make It All About the Results

Yes, scores matter, but they’re not the only measure of intelligence or future success. Focusing solely on test results can increase stress and discourage effort. Instead, emphasize learning, improvement, and effort over perfection.

4. Don’t Use Fear as a Motivator

Saying things like, “If you don’t get a high score, you won’t get into a good college,” can crush a student’s confidence. Fear-based motivation rarely results in positive outcomes. Instead, focus on empowerment and the idea that hard work will pay off.

5. Don’t Overload Them with Study Time

Marathon study sessions are ineffective. Cramming information for hours on end leads to burnout. Encourage shorter, focused study blocks with breaks in between to improve retention.

6. Don’t Ignore Signs of Stress or Burnout

If your child is constantly anxious, irritable, losing sleep, or complaining about headaches, it’s time to step back. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more significant mental health issues. Instead, encourage breaks, relaxation, or even a day off from studying.

7. Don’t Compare Them to Others

Comparisons can be demotivating. Just because another student scored higher on a practice test doesn’t mean your child isn’t doing well. Focus on their personal progress instead of measuring them against others.

8. Don’t Try to Take Over the Process

Ultimately, it’s your child’s test, not yours. Your role is to support, not control. Allow them to take ownership of their preparation while providing guidance when needed.

Balancing Support with Independence

It’s all about finding the right balance. Your child needs to know that you’re there for them, but they also need the space to take responsibility for their own learning. Think of it like teaching someone to ride a bike—you provide support at first, but eventually, they need to pedal on their own.

Encourage them, guide them, and remind them that no test score can ever define their true potential.

Final Thoughts

Standardized tests can be stressful, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. The right kind of parental support can make a huge difference in how a student approaches their preparation. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts, you can help your child feel confident and ready without unnecessary pressure.

At the end of the day, success isn’t just about acing a test—it’s about building resilience, discipline, and a positive mindset towards learning.