The Fadeout Effect: Why Kids’ Mental-Skills Training Needs Community Reinforcement

In this episode of 'Confident Calm and Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston explores the 'fade out effect' - the phenomenon where mental skills training fades over time without continuous support from parents, coaches, and the community. Drawing insights from an article about the marshmallow test, Valerie discusses the importance of a supportive environment in ensuring the long-term retention of mental skills. With engaging questions for kids and parents, this episode provides actionable strategies for fostering resilience and confidence in young athletes. Tune in for valuable tips on creating a consistent and encouraging atmosphere for mental skills development.

00:00 Introduction to the Fade Out Effect

01:12 The Marshmallow Test Revisited

04:01 The Importance of Environment in Skill Retention

07:15 Practical Advice for Parents and Coaches

09:11 Engaging Questions for Kids and Parents

12:24 Conclusion and Call to Action

Discussion questions:

• When I tried to teach you to stay calm under pressure, what helped you keep practicing that? How can I or others support you more consistently?
• Think of a time you felt mentally strong on the field—what did others around you do that helped you maintain that? How can they keep doing it?
• If the coaches, teachers, and I agreed on one daily habit to reinforce your mental game, what would it be and how could we remind each other?
• What support do you wish you had on tough days—someone to encourage you, remind you, or celebrate small wins?

Article

https://psyche.co/ideas/what-the-marshmallow-test-got-wrong-about-child-psychology

Video

https://youtu.be/4L-n8Z7G0ic?si=u_6C_Dbl7r3FxON0

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