Modeling Bravery for your Child with Selective Mutism

Selective mutism has a genetic component, it is not uncommon for parents and family members of children with selective mutism to experience symptoms of anxiety themselves. However, managing one's own anxiety is crucial to helping a child with selective mutism manage their symptoms effectively.

Parents play an essential role in the treatment of selective mutism and can make a significant impact on their child's progress by modeling bravery instead of avoidance when it comes to anxiety-provoking situations. Instead of pretending to be a "perfect parent," it is more beneficial to be transparent about one's anxiety experiences and how they are working to overcome them.

To model bravery, parents may plan opportunities for themselves and their child to practice being brave together. For example, if social anxiety is a concern, they could do something mildly embarrassing in public, such as wearing silly hats or singing a song loudly. If heights are a common fear, taking a ride on a Ferris wheel could help both parent and child gain confidence.

Additionally, describing anxious thoughts and how they are being managed can be helpful to a child with selective mutism. Acknowledging that being brave is not easy but usually results in positive outcomes, such as making others smile or feeling a sense of accomplishment, can encourage a child to work through their own anxiety-related challenges.

Finally, making small mistakes in front of a child can reduce their fear of making mistakes themselves. Narrating one's own thought process and emphasizing that mistakes are a normal part of the learning process can help a child gain perspective on their own experiences and feel less anxious about speaking up in public.

Overall, parents who model bravery and work to manage their own anxiety can have a positive impact on their child's treatment for selective mutism. By demonstrating that it is possible to face fear and anxiety head-on, parents can provide their child with the tools and support they need to manage their symptoms effectively.