Butterfly Effects logo with a stylized butterfly symbol and the company name in clean, modern font.
Get started Phone call icon featuring a simple outline of a telephone receiver. Call now

Key Strategies for Parent-Delivered Instruction

January 22, 2025

A 2020 article in Behavior Analysis in Practice (see reference below) outlines the essential skills parents need to create an effective instructional environment for implementing programs and interventions. These strategies help parents foster a supportive learning atmosphere that promotes positive behavior and minimizes challenges. If certain methods prove ineffective, parents are encouraged to consult professionals for tailored solutions. This approach enables parents to play an active role in their child’s learning and behavior development.

The authors emphasize the importance of parents being actively involved in shaping their children’s behaviors, especially in programs designed by behavior analysts. Here’s a simplified summary for parents:

Key Strategies for Parent-Delivered Instruction:

  1. Preparation Before Teaching (“Prior to Instruction”):
    • Remove distractions: Ensure the environment is calm and free from competing activities.
    • Be close but not intimidating: Proximity helps capture the child’s attention.
  2. Giving Instructions (“Presenting the Instruction”):
    • Get the child’s attention: Make eye contact before speaking.
    • Stay calm and clear: Avoid showing frustration or raising your voice.
    • Use clear directions: Say what you want the child to do in simple steps and avoid phrasing it as a question.
  3. Helping the Child Respond (“Prompting”):
    • Allow time to act: Give the child a few seconds to follow the instruction without rushing.
    • Guide as needed: Provide gentle help if they struggle and avoid repeatedly nagging.
  4. Creating a Positive Atmosphere (“Keeping Things Positive”):
    • Praise often: Celebrate successes more frequently than pointing out mistakes.
    • Avoid negative comments: Criticism can discourage the child or escalate behavior.
    • Offer choices: Let the child decide between acceptable options to boost their cooperation.

Start by focusing on a few strategies that seem most relevant to your child’s needs, then gradually include others. For further information please see: Morris, C., Conway, A. A., & Goetz, D. B. (2021). A review of effective strategies for parent-delivered instruction. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 14(4), 513–522. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-020-00525-9

Get started

Care where you need it

Enter your ZIP Code and we’ll let you know if you’re covered
in our current service area.