6 year old: Fun Behaviour Therapy Techniques for Kids | daar

Mia (Name changed for privacy)is a gentle and imaginative girl who loves animals and drawing. She lives with her parents and grandmother. Mia has always been shy, but starting primary school triggered significant separation anxiety and selective mutism in social settings.
Presenting Issues:

• Social Anxiety: Refusing to speak to teachers or peers at school, despite being chatty at home.
• Separation Distress: Daily tears and physical clinging at school drop-off, often requiring a teacher to physically peel her away from her mother.
• Avoidance: Refusing to participate in group activities or birthday parties.

The Challenge

Mia’s parents were heartbroken to see their daughter so distressed. They knew she had a vibrant personality, but fear was locking it away.

Impact at Home & School:

• At Home: Mornings were filled with dread. Mia would complain of stomach aches to avoid going to school. Her parents felt helpless and guilty, unsure if they were pushing her too hard or not enough.
• At School: Mia was isolated. While she completed her work, she sat alone at lunch and wouldn't ask for help if she needed the bathroom or a drink. Her teacher was concerned about her lack of social development.
• Socially: Mia had not made any friends in her class. Invitations to playdates were declined because Mia was too terrified to go without her mother.

We were amazed at how quickly Mia responded to the play therapy. She didn't even realize she was doing 'work'—she just thought she was playing games. But those games gave her the voice she had lost.

daar Therapy Approach

Mia’s family contacted daar for help. We knew that traditional "talk therapy" would be intimidating for a 6-year-old with selective mutism. Instead, we used a socialised behaviour therapy approach centered on play and fun, incorporating the "7 Fun Techniques" to build her confidence.

Key Interventions Implemented:

• Play-Based Therapeutic Activities: We used puppets and dolls to act out school scenarios. This allowed Mia to express her fears through the characters rather than having to speak directly about herself.
• Social Stories & Role-Playing: We created a personalized "Super Mia" comic book where the main character (Mia) bravely goes to school. We role-played simple interactions, like saying "hello" or asking to play, starting with whispering to a puppet and gradually working up to real people.
• Visual Schedules: To reduce morning anxiety, we made a colourful, sticker-based morning routine chart. Knowing exactly what was coming next gave Mia a sense of control.
• The "Brave Badge" Reward System: We implemented a positive reinforcement system where Mia earned a "Brave Badge" sticker for every small step of courage, like walking into class on her own or waving to a friend.
• Mindfulness Games: We taught Mia "Bubble Breathing" (pretending to blow giant bubbles) to help her calm her body when she felt the "worry butterflies" in her tummy.

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Results and Progress

By making therapy engaging and low-pressure, Mia began to associate social interaction with fun rather than fear.

Measurable Improvements:

• School Drop-Off: Separation distress has vanished. Mia now walks into class independently and waves goodbye with a smile.
• Verbal Communication: Mia is now speaking to her teacher and a small group of friends in a normal volume.
• Social Participation: She recently attended her first birthday party without her parents staying and reportedly "had the best time ever."
• Anxiety Reduction: Mia uses her "Bubble Breathing" independently when she feels nervous, preventing panic from escalating.

Key Outcomes

Mia’s journey demonstrates that behaviour therapy for children doesn't have to be serious or scary to be effective.

• Found Voice: Mia has found the courage to speak up and let her personality shine in the classroom.
• Parental Confidence: Her parents now have a toolkit of fun, supportive strategies to help Mia navigate new challenges.
• Joy in Learning: School is no longer a place of fear, but a place of learning and friendship.

100 %

success rate in independent school drop-offs (last month)

3

new consistent friends Mia plays with daily

0

days of school refusal in the last term

Conclusion

If your child is struggling with anxiety or behavioural challenges, traditional methods aren't the only way. Positive behaviour support that incorporates play and creativity can unlock your child's potential in a way that feels natural and safe.

daar specializes in making therapy effective and engaging for kids. Let us help your child find their bravery.

Ready to bring the fun back into your child's life?
Contact daar today to schedule a consultation and explore our creative therapy options.