Repetition is important to ensure your child gains confidence and masters facing their fear. If your child’s mission plan includes several steps that have similar anxiety ratings, they could also work on a few at the same time. This can be especially helpful if there are limited opportunities to practice a single mission plan step because it will give your child the chance to be brave more often and in even more situations.
For example, since Sally does not have the opportunity to ask a classmate for a pencil over the weekend, she could work on another activity with a similar anxiety rating at the same time, such as saying “hello” to a server at a restaurant or a cashier at a store.
If your child is ever especially resistant to moving on to the next step, consider brainstorming another activity that would be easier or stronger rewards for more challenging activities. You can always repeat the same mission plan activity as well.
Deliver Rewards
You should never go back on your word when it comes to rewards! Rewards should be delivered as soon as possible after the child has made a real attempt to complete the activity. Remember that you are rewarding your child’s effort, not their success. However, your child should not earn a reward if they did not try. It is essential that rewards are consistent and timely in order for your child to remain motivated.
When delivering tangible rewards, remember to use verbal and non-verbal praise too! Your child should stop receiving a tangible reward for specific steps of their mission plan when they become easy and they have moved on to subsequent steps in the mission plan. Make sure you child knows this change is happening and continue to provide verbal and non-verbal praise for ongoing practice.
Prompt Coping Skills
If your child has been successful with the coping skills discussed in previous modules, and they are having trouble approaching a fear, prompt them to use them before practicing mission plans to help (for example, deep breathing). Remember, the ultimate goal is for coping skills to help your child face their fears. As you are able, gradually remove your reminders so your child can practice remembering to use their coping skills on their own.
