The child needs to know that he or she has a disorder and will have compulsions to pull from time to time, but they only last a little while and that life can be fun. They particularly need to know that they're loved and accepted regardless of whether or not they pull. They're not 'good' for not pulling or 'bad' when they pull. It is a good idea to explain that sometimes they will have strong feelings and feel like they're not coping, but if they're breathing, then they're coping.

The slower and deeper YOU breathe, when you're cuddling your child, the slower and deeper the child will breathe, which will reduce anxiety.