Tonight with your 9 to 12 year old
The prompt
“Is there something that used to really scare you that just doesn't bother you anymore?”
What to listen for
A proud, easy answer shows they can track their own bravery growing over time, a huge confidence builder when they're facing something new and scary now.
If they mention it but add 'I still get a little nervous sometimes,' that's honest and healthy, fears rarely disappear completely, they just get smaller and more manageable.
If nothing comes to mind, help them out by naming something you've noticed they used to avoid and don't anymore, sometimes progress is invisible to the person living it.
What this tells you
This shows you that your child can see their own courage growing, which fuels them to face the next hard thing.