You should be able to hear the giant sigh come right off this page. My oldest son, the doctor of physical therapy from Gannon University, passed his licensing exam. He took it a week ago, and we have been waiting nervously ever since for the news of what’s next.

Last night at midnight, we got the news. I am so proud. He passed the grueling 6-hour test that challenges men and women to spill their guts on what they have learned in three years of grad school. It is one final exam that gives them the license to practice. Congrats to him and all the kids who took that exam.

From the time our kids are little, they are tested on everything from times tables to reading comprehension and math abilities. And that can test a parent’s patience.

When they get older, college SATs become the important number. After that — admissions tests for graduate degrees followed by exams that prove they know what they paid a gazillion dollars to learn are the norm for teachers, nurses, lawyers, doctors and, well anyone, who needs a license to do anything.

In a few weeks, kids will go back to school. If your child finds timed tests challenging, find some help because it is only the beginning.

Here’s a link to help your kids build confidence in timed math and reading tests.

Here’s an article from Mark Pullen, a teacher blogger who makes timed math tests fun.

Here’s a link to an article (published today) about math skills and how to help your child develop an appreciation for math, not just learning it because they have to. It’s a paid article at $2.95.

My son turns 26 tomorrow and what a birthday present.

Pam Parker is the time-tested mom of a doctor of physical therapy, a CPA and a college student and the stepmom of two teachers and an EMT. She is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa.