When parents come to us with concerns about their child’s behavior, our instinct as behavior analysts is to offer solutions and guidance. However, too much information can sometimes overwhelm the very people we hope to help.
So how can we effectively provide ideas without causing additional stress? In this post, we’ll explore strategies to ensure our advice is helpful and manageable.
4 Tips for Giving ABA Ideas to Parents
1. Listen Before You Lead
Before offering any advice, it’s essential to understand what parents value and expect. Begin the conversation by asking open-ended questions like, “What are your main goals for your child?” and “What would be most meaningful for you to achieve?”
By genuinely listening to their responses, you can tailor your suggestions to align with their values and priorities. Do your best to avoid imposing your own opinions and instead focus on empowering parents to reach their goals using ABA principles.
2. Keep It Super Simple (KISS)
One of the most effective ways to support parents is by breaking down instructions into bite-sized, manageable steps. The principle of “Keep It Super Simple” (KISS) is crucial here. Instead of overwhelming parents with a long list of tasks, provide them with one or two actionable steps at a time.
For instance, instead of instructing parents to implement an entire behavior plan, start with something small like encouraging positive reinforcement for specific behaviors. This approach not only makes the task seem more achievable but also increases the likelihood of successful implementation.
3. Speak Like a Whole Person
While ABA professionals are well-versed in technical terminology, it’s important to communicate with parents in clear, jargon-free language. Even if parents have been exposed to ABA terms, using complex language can feel condescending. Instead, strive to explain concepts in everyday language.
For example, rather than saying “Implement a Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior or DRO“, you could say “Encourage your child to ask for help instead of getting frustrated”. By speaking like a real person, you build trust and make the information more accessible.
4. Be Present and Engaged
Body language also plays a significant role in how parents perceive and receive our advice. When discussing their concerns, turn your body towards them, maintain eye contact, and avoid distractions such as computers or devices.
Show genuine compassion by actively listening and addressing their worries with empathy. Simple gestures like nodding and maintaining an open posture can convey that you truly care and are fully present in the conversation.
Instruction, Modeling, Rehearsal, and Feedback: A Step-by-Step Approach
Now that you have those tips down, a structured approach to teaching can significantly enhance parents’ ability to implement new strategies. Try following these steps:
1. Instructions
Provide clear, step-by-step guidance based on what is important to the parents.
2. Model
Demonstrate the desired behavior or technique. Recording a video of yourself can be a valuable reference for them.
3. Rehearsal
Allow parents to practice the new skills. If they prefer, let them rehearse privately before showing you.
4. Feedback
Offer constructive, bite-sized feedback to avoid overwhelming them. Keep it positive and supportive. Feedback can be given verbally, through email, or even via video – pay attention to how the parent likes to receive feedback.
This method ensures parents feel supported throughout the learning process and increases their confidence in applying new strategies.
Utilize Data Collection to Track Progress
As BCBAs, we may want to wave our ABA wands and magically get the outcome we all want. Unfortunately, that’s simply not possible. So what can we do instead? Get helpful data.
Data collection is crucial for tracking progress and making informed decisions. However, it’s important to keep it manageable for parents. Suggest simple data collection methods that require minimal effort but provide valuable insights.
For instance, a daily checklist or a quick note on their phone can be effective. The key is to ensure that the data collection method is doable for parents while still giving you the information needed to assess progress and make adjustments.
For even more helpful recommendations on giving parents ideas without overwhelming them, don’t miss our podcast on parent coaching.
Offering parents manageable, jargon-free ideas, demonstrating genuine compassion, understanding their values, and using a structured approach can make an incredible difference. By balancing helpfulness with empathy and simplicity, we can empower parents to make meaningful changes without feeling overwhelmed by implementing ABA practices with their children.
