Does the thought of an upcoming math test give your middle schooler sweaty palms and a stomachache? Help her prepare for the big event and she may be less nervous about it.

Here's how:

• Remind her not to cram. One frantic night of studying won't pay off on test day. Instead, your preteen should begin preparing at least one week in advance. That way, if she doesn't understand something, she'll have time to get help before the test.
• Use the textbook and class notes. Are there practice tests in your middle schooler's math book? Encourage her to take them as she prepares for the big exam. If there aren't any, see if you can help her create a practice quiz by using her notes from class.
• Have her ask for clarification. If your preteen is unsure of what's going to be on the test, have her ask her teacher. Few things are scarier than the unknown, so the more information she has, the more confident she may feel.
• Help her take care of herself. Make sure your preteen is rested and fed on exam day. Be sure she gets enough sleep the night before and offer her a healthful breakfast that morning.

Reprinted with permission from the October 2009 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: "Preparing for a Math Test," Mission College, http://salsa.missioncollege.org/mss/stories/storyReader$29.