How to prepare your child for testing day

How do I prepare my child for testing day?

Good preparation for a psychological evaluation is simpler than most parents expect. You don’t need to study, review flashcards or teach any skills. The goal is to help your child arrive rested, fed and relaxed, so the results show how they really think and learn on an ordinary day.

This guide covers the days before, the morning of, what to bring, what to say to your child at different ages, and what to avoid. It applies to most kinds of testing, including a psychoeducational evaluation, which looks at how your child learns, reasons and handles reading, writing and math.

Why does preparation matter?

Testing works best when it captures your child’s typical abilities. A child who is exhausted, hungry, sick or very anxious may score below what they can really do. A child who has been drilled on similar tasks may score above it, which can hide a real need. Neither gives you the useful answers you came for.

That is why the best preparation is mostly about routine and comfort. Dr. Maddison Paul keeps testing one-on-one with breaks, and she watches for signs that your child is tired or upset. What you do at home helps set your child up for a fair picture.

What should we do in the days before testing?

• Keep bedtimes and routines as normal as you can for a few nights before
• Avoid scheduling big events, late nights or travel right before testing day
• Tell your child about the appointment a day or two ahead, in simple and calm words
• Gather any records we asked you to bring or send, such as report cards or past testing
• If your child takes medication, confirm the plan you agreed with Dr. Paul and your prescriber
• If your child is sick with a fever or bad cold, call us to talk about rescheduling
• Read the parking and arrival details ahead of time so the morning isn't rushed

Our office is at 555 Pier Ave., Suite 2, in Hermosa Beach. Allow a few extra minutes to park and find the suite.

If your child seems sick or has had a very rough night, it is fine to call. An illness can affect scores, and a new date is often better than results that don’t reflect your child.

What should the morning of testing look like?

• Let your child get a good night of sleep and wake at their usual time
• Serve a normal breakfast, the kind your child usually eats
• Follow the medication plan you agreed with Dr. Paul and your prescriber
• Dress your child in comfortable, familiar clothes and layers
• Leave extra time so you aren't rushing or stressed on the way
• Keep your tone light and matter-of-fact

Each testing session lasts about 2 hours, with breaks built in. For children and teens, testing is spread over 4–5 sessions so your child doesn’t get worn out.

What should we bring to testing?

• Glasses or contact lenses, if your child uses them
• Hearing aids or other devices your child normally uses
• A snack and a water bottle for breaks
• A comfort item for younger children, such as a small stuffed animal
• Any medication your child needs during the day, following the plan agreed with Dr. Paul and your prescriber
• Records you were asked for, if you haven't already sent them
• Something quiet for you to do while you wait

Glasses and hearing aids matter more than you might think. A child who can’t see the page clearly or hear the instructions may score lower for reasons that have nothing to do with learning.

If your child uses supports at school, such as movement breaks, a fidget or a written schedule, tell us before testing day. The same goes for allergies, sensory sensitivities or anything that tends to upset your child. Knowing ahead of time helps Dr. Paul plan a day that works for your child.

What should I tell my child about testing?

Be honest, brief and calm. Children take their cues from you. If you seem relaxed, they are more likely to be relaxed. Avoid calling it a “test” your child can pass or fail. Words like “activities,” “puzzles” or “a chance to learn how your brain works” fit better.

Here are some ideas by age. Adjust them to fit your child.

For teens, it often helps to involve them in the reason for the evaluation. They may have their own questions about focus, reading or stress. Letting them know their view matters can make them more willing to engage.

What if my child is nervous?

Some worry is normal. Tell your child it’s fine to feel nervous, and that the tasks aren’t about getting a grade. Remind them there will be breaks and a snack. If your child has strong anxiety, let us know ahead of time so Dr. Paul can plan for it.

What should I avoid before testing?

A few well-meant steps can get in the way of accurate results.

• Don’t coach or practice tests. Don’t look up tests online or have your child practice similar tasks. Practice can raise some scores and hide the very difficulty you want to understand. It can also make results less valid.
• Don’t call it a test they can fail. There is no pass or fail. Framing it that way adds pressure and can make anxious children freeze.
• Don’t promise a reward for a good score. A treat for taking part is fine. A reward tied to how they do can add stress.
• Don’t change medication on your own. Follow the plan you agreed with Dr. Paul and your prescriber.
• Don’t pack the day. Avoid planning a big outing, a sports game or a long drive right after testing if you can.

What happens after testing day?

Many children are tired after testing, even when it went well. Plan a quiet, easy afternoon. A favorite meal or some downtime is a nice way to close the day.

Your child may ask how they did. You can say something like, “You worked really hard. Dr. Paul will help us understand what we learned.” Avoid pressing for details about the tasks.

Your part isn’t done after testing. You may be asked to complete questionnaires, and teachers may receive rating forms too. Returning these on time helps keep the evaluation moving. Then comes scoring, the written report and a feedback session where Dr. Paul explains the results and recommendations. You can see how the process fits together on our psychoeducational evaluation page.

At a glance: testing day do’s and don’ts

When to reach out

If you have questions about getting your child ready, or you’re still deciding whether an evaluation makes sense, we’re glad to help. We work with families in Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance and across the South Bay. Learn more about our psychoeducational evaluation, or contact us with your questions.