Taking a test at school can be stressful for a student, especially if your child isn't properly prepared.

To help put your child at ease before a test, the U.S. Department of Education offers several tips.

The organization recommends that parents talk to their child about testing so that students understand why they have to take tests and are aware of what kinds of tests they will have to take at school.

The U.S. Department of Education also tells parents to encourage their child by praising him or her for the things he or she does well. According to the organization, if a child feels confident, he or she will perform better on a test. Also, children who are afraid of failing are more likely to become anxious when taking a test, which could result in mistakes.

The organization also recommends that parents meet with their child's teacher often to discuss his or her progress and that parents make sure their child attends school regularly.

The U.S. Department of Education also suggest helping your child properly prepare by teaching them to study ahead of time and not cram the night before, and to make sure that they have a quiet, comfortable place to study at home.

The organization also warns parents to avoid certain behaviors when dealing with their child's tests. The U.S. Department of Education tells parents to not get upset over a single test score and to remember that one test is only one test. It also recommends that parents don't place so much emphasis on test scores that you lose sight of your child's well being. According to the organization, too much pressure on a child to perform well can actually cause them to perform poorly on tests.