Congratulations! You have reached the last module of LUNA. This week, we will evaluate how far you and your child have come since the beginning of the program and determine some future goals to work on.
Previously on LUNA…
For the past few weeks, you might have been working on the optional modules to help with specific issues. We hope that these modules gave you the opportunity to tailor the treatment to your child’s needs. Though you have reached the last module of LUNA, you should always feel free to come back to previous modules to refresh your memory and keep practicing your new skills (for example, Module 3 could give you more ideas for coping skills that you did not get the chance to try).
Reviewing Progress
As this is your last module, it is important to take time to reflect and celebrate everything you and your child have accomplished. Take some time to reflect by having an open discussion with your child about their achievements. During this discussion, focus on the positives. There will be time to talk about areas for improvement later, so save that conversation for then. Use the worksheets below to reflect on all of the progress you and your child have made.
Reflecting on My Child's Progress
Take some time to reflect on your child’s progress by answering the questions on the following worksheet:
View PDF version.
Take some time to reflect on your child's progress. You may want to refer to their Fears and Worries Checklist and Setting Goals worksheets from Module 1 to refresh your memory.
- What fears and worries did my child identify at the beginning of the program? What were the goals for each fear and worry?
- What fears and worries has my child practiced managing during the program?
- What specific skills or habits from the program has my child learned to help manage fears and worries in general?
- What has my child learned to do differently that helps them better manage the fears and worries identified on the first page?
- What are three accomplishments that my child is most proud of?
- How have these accomplishments benefitted my child and our family?
- What are the most helpful things I can do to support my child when they struggle with fears or anxiety?
How to Keep the Conversation Positive
Sometimes children, especially those with anxiety, tend to discount their achievements and ignore the positives. If this happens, gently direct your child back to focusing on their specific achievements. You may have to prompt and remind them about the materials they learned in LUNA. Below are some examples of open-ended questions that you can use to guide them back to focusing on their achievements.
- What fears and worries have you conquered?
- What mission plans have we worked on?
- How confident are you about [insert mission plan task that your child was successful in completing] now?
- What are some things you can do now because you are less afraid of/anxious about [insert fear/worry that your child worked on]?
- How have you become better at managing your anxiety?
- What skills have you learned to help with fearful or worried thoughts?
- What is at least one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
- What would you say to other kids who have fears and worries that they want to tackle? What would you say to them about getting help with their fears and worries? What skills can you teach them?
Reflecting on My Own Progress
It is also important for you to reflect on the progress you have made. You made this program possible for your child by staying committed to homework assignments, completing tasks such as mission plans, and remaining motivated and open to learning this material. Now, that is a big accomplishment! Reflect on ways in which you have grown as well by answering the questions on the following worksheet:
View PDF version.
It is also important for you to reflect on the progress you have made! Reflect on ways in which you have grown as well by answering the questions below.
- In what ways have you changed how you respond to your child's anxiety?
- Do you feel better prepared to help your child manage their anxiety in the future?
- What can you look forward to doing as a family that you perhaps couldn't do before?
- Has your family's overall stress level changed? If so, how?
After reflecting on your progress, we hope you will notice that the skills and habits learned throughout LUNA have made it possible for you and your child to manage fears and worries. The habits you have learned are the foundation for anxiety treatment for everyone, kids and adults alike. These same skills can be adapted for new fears and worries throughout your whole lifetime, and may even come in handy to help others.