The best way to prepare your child is to keep the conversation simple, honest, and low-stress. An assessment is not a test they can pass or fail—it is just a way to figure out how their unique brain learns best.
Here is a practical guide on what to say, what to bring, and how to set your child up for a positive experience.
How to talk to your child
Children do best when they know what to expect. Avoid using the word “test,” as this can cause school-related anxiety. Instead, talk about the appointment as a way to discover their natural strengths and learning style.
For younger children (Ages 4 to 10)
Focus on the playful, interactive nature of the sessions.
What to say: “We are going to meet with a psychologist. Your job is just to try your best and have fun. You will be doing things like building with blocks, looking at picture books, solving puzzles, and playing word games. They want to see how your brain solves problems so we can make school feel easier and more fun for you.”
For tweens and teens (Ages 11+)
Be direct and collaborative. Acknowledge any frustrations they might be feeling at school.
What to say: “You know how hard you’ve been working lately, and how frustrating it is when things don’t click? We are meeting with a psychologist to figure out exactly why that is happening. They are going to look at your strengths—the things you are great at—and find tools to help with the things that feel tough. There are no grades, and this isn’t about right or wrong. It’s just about getting a blueprint of how your brain works.”
Practical steps for the night before and morning of the appointment(s)
To help your child feel their best during the appointment, focus on comfort and routine:
- Keep a normal routine: Try to keep the night before as calm and predictable as possible.
- Prioritize sleep: Ensure your child gets a full night of rest. Exhaustion makes it much harder for them to focus and show what they can do.
- Eat a balanced meal: Give your child a filling breakfast or lunch before coming in. Protein-rich foods help keep their energy levels steady.
- Dress for comfort: Have your child wear comfortable, layered clothing so they do not get too hot or too cold during the session.
What to bring to the appointment
You do not need to study or prepare any academic work. Just pack a bag with these daily essentials to keep your child comfortable:
- Glasses, contacts, or hearing aids: If your child uses any corrective lenses or hearing devices, please make sure they bring them and wear them.
- Favourite snacks and a water bottle: We take plenty of breaks. Having familiar, favourite snacks on hand keeps their energy up and provides a comforting routine.
- A comfort item: For younger children, bringing a small stuffed animal, stim toys, a favourite toy, or a book for break times can help them feel safe in a new environment.
Still have questions?
Every child is different, and it is completely normal to have questions as the appointment gets closer. If you want more advice or need to discuss your child’s specific needs, please reach out directly to the psychologist working with your family, or contact our clinic team. We are always here to help make this a smooth, stress-free experience for you and your child!
About the Author:
Dr. Amanda McKerracher, CPsych is a Registered Psychologist and the Psychology Assessment Lead at the Toronto Psychology Clinic in Toronto, Ontario.
She offers assessments for children, teens, and adults.
Ready to set your child up for a supportive, stress-free assessment experience? At the Toronto Psychology Clinic, our psychologists are highly experienced with a strong track record of providing comprehensive psychoeducational assessments.
To move forward, contact the Toronto Psychology Clinic today at 416-551-1759 ext.2 or intake@torontopsychology.com to schedule an intake call and book your assessment.