What is Behavioral Parent Training (BPT)?
By Meghan Ringler, LCSW
Behavioral parent training (BPT) is an evidence based treatment approach parents can utilize with children who display behaviors that adults tend to define as disruptive, non-compliant, or aggressive. BPT is also known as “parent behavior therapy,” and “parent training in behavior management” and is one of our parenting counseling services. Studies on BPT have shown its effectiveness in treating children who have been given a diagnosis of ADHD. BPT is most effective for children ages 3-13 years old.
BPT sessions most often involve the parent(s) only, however this treatment approach can be modified for group, family, and individual settings. In BPT sessions, parents learn and practice various skills to improve desired behaviors and decrease problematic ones. According to the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), “Parent training represents a therapeutic approach in which parents are taught how to increase desirable child behavior, reduce children’s misbehavior, improve parent-child interactions, and bring about a positive family atmosphere.” (1)
It can be helpful to understand the reasoning behind the parent focus curricula. BPT posits that children with behaviors that parents or others describe as problematic typically have a difficult time with something we call “insight for change”, as they are still cognitively developing. Basically it can be hard for a child to understand their own behavior and be motivated to change it. Therefore, modifying the parent approach can aid in adjusting the child’s behavior, as the parent learns new was to participate and respond to the child's behaviors.
BPT is highly effective for the following concerns:
ADHD
Aggression
Anger
Attentional Issues
Behavior Issues
Defiance
Hyperactivity
Impulsive behaviors
Irritability
Non-compliance
Parent-child conflict
Parenting struggles
School refusal
Goals of Behavioral Parent Training
No matter the treatment format, BPT adheres to a common curriculum that includes various important goals. These include
“(1) enhance parent–child relationships by improving quality time together,
(2) increase wanted behaviors by providing effective instructions and positive reinforcement such as rewards and specific praise, and
(3) decrease unwanted behaviors by providing specific corrective statements, using planned ignoring to reduce attention-seeking behaviors, or employing time-outs or a response cost (e.g., loss of privileges)” (2).
Overall the goal and purpose of BPT is to improve quality of life for both the parent and child by offering an alternative approach to interacting with problematic behavior. Continuous problematic behaviors on the part of the child and ineffective mitigation of behavior on the part of the parent can erode the quality of environment within the family.
Core Strategies and Skills in BPT
Parents can learn skills through the use of verbal instruction, video, and through the guidance of a trained therapist. Some skills parents will learn as part of BPT are:
Creating house rules, organization, and routines that speak to the family circumstance
Using clear instructions
Learning to praise good behavior and ignoring mild unwanted behavior
Planning ahead and working with children in public places
Using charts and point systems with rewards and consequences (3)
Typically in the BPT curriculum, parents are taught effective ways to utilize praise, positive reinforcement/attention, as well as rewards and privileges, and rules/consequences. Though it may seem challenging initially, through practice parents can feel more confident in utilizing these skills to elicit effective behaviors from their child in the long term.
Adjusting BPT strategies
One of the benefits of utilizing BPT is its flexible nature. BPT can be modified to fit the individual and family based on the family makeup and overall life preferences. When applying BPT, it’s important to take what works and leave the rest. All families come in different shapes and sizes, therefore the approach will need to be reflective of their life circumstances.
For further insight into the effectiveness of BPT see this quote regarding a family who participated in parent training programming. A set of twins recently diagnosed with ADHD were enrolled in an eight week summer day camp while parents took part in 2 hour weekly parent training sessions. At the end of the program, the family described notable differences in the twin’s behaviors as well as the parents' confidence and behavior management techniques. In fact, “Those two hours each week helped me to slow down and to be more mindful of what and how I communicate to my kids. I became aware of how many negative and positive statements I made each day,” says Roshaven. “Now, I make sure I tell my children clearly what’s expected, what the ground rules are, and what’s going to happen if those rules aren’t followed. Things are running more smoothly.” (4)
How to find the right therapist
Finding the right fit is a necessary part of the therapy journey. If you’re looking for a therapist who can help you specifically with BPT, it's important to find someone who specializes in this area. This is often something listed in their bio, but it can be useful to ask your potential therapist some clarifying questions:
Does this therapist teach parents skills and strategies that use positive reinforcement, structure, and consistent discipline to manage their child's behavior?
Does this therapist teach parents positive ways to interact and communicate with their child?
Does this therapist assign activities for parents to practice with their child?
Does this therapist meet regularly with the family to monitor progress and provide coaching and support?
Does this therapist re-evaluate treatment plans and remain flexible enough to adjust strategies as needed? (5)
If you find yourself feeling stuck with how to manage your child’s behaviors, it may be useful to look into BPT due to its effective approach in increasing more desirable behaviors and decreasing problematic ones. Of course, it is normal for your child to misbehave from time to time, but if you find it's taking a toll on the family unit, BPT can be a useful resource to find peace and harmony within the home.
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