Now that your child is preparing for his or her first standardized or state-mandated test, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce the anxiety and nervousness your little one feels about taking such a big test. These tips and strategies will also help to ease some of the stress you may feel as you encourage your child to do well on the exam.

1. Use stress positively.

Stress often has negative connotations, but feeling a bit anxious before a test can actually be a good thing, according to D'Arcy Lyness, PhD, and a health editor at KidsHealth.org. "Stress is your body's signal.It helps you prepare for something important that's about to happen," Lyness shares. So, make sure your child uses the stress she feels as fuel to be especially prepared for the test by studying a few additional minutes each night, or using flashcards to remember certain vocabulary words that will be featured on the exam.

2.Don't mention the test too much.

Elementary school children still need routine; upsetting their natural schedule too much may cause more uneasiness about the upcoming test. As a parent, it's best to show concern about the exam by asking small questions like "Did you go over some possible test questions in class today?" or "Which subjects do you want to go over at home?" However, dwelling on the test--and veering further from her daily routine-- may make your child even more nervous.

3. Practice breathing and meditation.

Children may need a few minutes to relax their bodies and minds before beginning the state-mandated tests. Some teachers are affording students this time in order to make children more confidenct in taking tests, and raise overall scores. Mae O'Hara, a third grade teacher at Howard Elementary School in Ohio, allows her students to participate in breathing and muscle relxation exercises in the classroom. She maintains that stress is a natural reaction, but that it does not have to overtake a person. Teaching children how to properly handle anxiety early in life will also lead to healthy attitudes concerning stress relief in the future.

4. Be prepared on test day.

Just as you're helping your elementary schooler to be prepared for the exam, you should also make sure you're ready for test day. Make sure that you and your little one are awake early, in order to give her enough time to get dressed and eat a balanced breakfast without being rushed. Encourage your child to wear comfortable clothing on the day of the test, so that sitting for long periods of time will be easier.

5. Reinforce your encouragement.

Before you see your child off on the day of the exam, remind him one last time that he is not expected to know the answer to every question on the test. Encourage him to look over the entire test and complete the easier questions first, so that there will be enough time for him to tackle the difficult ones. After the test, be sure to let your child know you realize how much effort he put into preparing for the exam, and that you're proud of him no matter what.