Just the word "test" (nevermind "exam") conjures up jittery feelings in many children—especially if they have ADHD or a learning disability.  That anxiety can interfere with their ability to focus and deplete their confidence. By taking a little time before the assessment to do a meditation like this one from Ella Sims, founder of Becoming Women.  As she says, "imagine entering a test confident, calm and comfortable, reassured that you don't need to know the answer to every question." 

Start the Day Calmly With This Meditation

Whether it's the beginning of the school year or halfway through, mornings can be overwhelmingly stressful for kids (and their parents!) Making sure backpacks are packed, homework is done, shoes are tied, catching the bus—the seemingly never-ending list of to-do's can make anxiety levels skyrocket. Doing a short breathing-based meditation like this one from Ella Sims, founder of Becoming Women, can help calm nerves. As she says, "when you focus on your breathing, it quiets the mind and helps you relax, so you can start the day in a calm way." She also offers some positive affirmations ("I can overcome challenges") for kids to say to themselves before the school day begins.