Parenting is a journey of joy and challenges and learning and everything in between! And while my home is definitely not without chaos, as a BCBA and parent, I find myself looking to my ABA toolbox to help support a harmonious environment for my own family. And one of the ways I do this is by implementing what’s called antecedent interventions. These are proactive techniques that help set the stage for smooth interactions and can help reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviors. Here are my go-to antecedent strategies that I reach for daily from my parenting toolkit:

1)    Transition Warnings:

Life is a series of transitions, and for children, navigating these changes can sometimes be overwhelming especially when they seem sudden. A transition warning signals that one activity is over and another is beginning. They can look something like this: “Okay buddy, two more minutes of coloring and then it’s time for dinner” or “I’m going to set the timer for one more minute and then the water in the tub goes down.” Transition warnings help children know what to expect helping to reduce tantrums and other challenging behaviors.

2)    Frequent Choices:

Like all of us, children have an innate desire for autonomy and a sense of control over their day. Offering frequent choices empowers them to make decisions within age-appropriate boundaries. By offering simple choices within non-negotiable activities like “Which dress would you like to wear?” or “Do you want to sit by your sister or your dad for dinner?” or “Do you want to put the toothpaste on the brush or me?” you’ll likely help reduce power struggles and foster cooperation. They’ll also learn that their opinion matters!

3)    Set Clear and Realistic Expectations Ahead of Time:

While it may seem like common sense, we often overlook the power of simplicity. Children thrive on predictability, and when they have a clear understanding of what is expected, they are better prepared to meet those expectations. Introducing contingencies beforehand sets the stage for success by preventing misunderstandings. For instance, if you’ve mentioned “two more minutes of TV, then it’s time to brush teeth,” follow through by setting a timer. Similarly, if you’ve promised “Share with your sister for the next five minutes, and we’ll watch a show together,” honor that commitment.  When articulating expectations, ensure they are straightforward and attainable. For example, in the grocery store, you might say: “We stay within arm’s reach. If you stay close, you can choose a small treat. If not, we won’t get a treat this time. Where do you need to be in the grocery store?” This approach establishes clear guidelines for success while also fostering trust.

Through simple, intentional techniques, we can not only reduce potentially challenging emotions and behaviors but feel a little more in control as a parent. So whether it’s in my own parenting journey, or during parent training sessions with my clients, I lean on antecedent interventions to help create a more predictable, cooperative, and trusting environment.

If you’re interested in learning more about how behavioral strategies can help you and your family at home or you’re interested in enrolling your child in our in-home ABA program, we’re here to chat! We proudly serve families throughout the state of New Jersey.

As a reminder, the suggestions outlined in this blog are not individual-specific. Always refer to your child’s health and behavior specialists before implementing any new programming.