What is Behavioral Parent Training?
Behavioral parent training (BPT) is an umbrella term used to describe interventions grounded in behavioral theory that are taught to parents. In BPT, parents are taught skills to help their children and teens who are struggling with frustration, anger, executive functioning, anxiety, flexibility, and/or big emotions. Kids are still learning to understand and handle their complex emotions, and BPT offers parents a chance to help their children build these skills effectively.
In BPT, parents are taught how to become the agents of change in their child’s life by consistently implementing treatment strategies at home. Parents attend appointments either alone or with their child to discuss the specific interventions they need with their provider, who gives them instruction and live practice on how to implement these plans at home. This approach helps parents learn strategies and concepts to understand and navigate difficult moments with their children.
As children grow, the delivery of BPT evolves, though the core concepts remain largely consistent. This chart identifies the issues most commonly addressed in various age ranges:
BPT for Young Children (Ages 2 to 7)
The gold standard treatments for children ages 2-7 struggling with disruptive behaviors is Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT). In PCIT, the therapist observes the parent and child using a camera and headset to provide live coaching, and the parents are taught useful skills during sessions. Good habits and positive behavioral patterns are developed that reduce the incidence of problem behaviors and leave parents with a playbook and a set of skills that they can rely on as their child gets older. Learn More about PCIT.
BPT for Middle Childhood (Ages 8 to 12)
BPT for children ages 8-12 focuses on teaching parents skills to navigate the specific areas of conflict parents are experiencing with their child. Treatment focuses on providers meeting with parents alone and teaching them interventions to put in place at home. Providers guide parents through implementing these plans consistently and helping them to problem-solve as parents build their skills along with their child. Common areas of focus are avoiding arguments, increasing positive interactions, effective consequences, utilizing contingencies, and setting appropriate expectations. Our SPACE program – Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions is one BPT-type program that is geared to teaching parents how to respond to their anxious child more effectively. Learn More about SPACE.
BPT for Teens (Ages 13 to 17)
Adolescence is often a challenging time for children and parents alike. BPT for this age range focuses on providers and parents working together to identify ways to foster independence and responsibility in their child. BPT for teens is an excellent alternative for teens who do not want to be in therapy themselves or as a supplement for parents who wish to support their teen who is already in therapy. BPT for teens also supports parents as they make decisions around privileges for their teens, effective communication, and how to navigate moodiness or irritability.
We’re Here for You
The Ross Center can provide parents with the support you need to help your struggling child. Equipped with guidance and strategies to interact and communicate more effectively, you will gain confidence in your parenting skills and tools that impact your child’s mood and behaviors. Contact us to see how we can help.
