Behavior Strategies
Behavior strategies are evidence-based techniques that help shape, redirect, and support positive behaviors while reducing challenging ones through environmental changes, skill-building, and consistent responses.
Why strategic approaches work
Behavior strategies rooted in applied behavior analysis and positive behavior support recognize that all behavior serves a function. Your teen might avoid homework because they lack organization skills, fear failure, or need movement breaks. Effective strategies address these root causes rather than just the surface behavior.
Research shows that teaching replacement behaviors works better than punishment alone. When teens learn appropriate ways to meet their needs, problematic behaviors naturally decrease. This approach, combined with environmental modifications and consistent reinforcement, creates lasting change while preserving relationships.
Dunlap et al. (2008) demonstrate that positive behavior support strategies reduce challenging behaviors while improving quality of life. Carr et al. (2002) emphasize that understanding behavior function is essential for developing effective interventions.
You're not alone
If you've tried every parenting book's behavior strategy with limited success, you're discovering that teens require more sophisticated approaches than younger children. What works for a seven-year-old backfires with a seventeen-year-old. Many parents feel like they're constantly adjusting strategies as their teen grows and changes. This is normal and necessary. Adolescent development requires evolving approaches that balance structure with increasing independence. Families who adapt their strategies report better outcomes than those rigidly applying childhood techniques.
What it looks like day to day
Student
Your teen consistently "forgets" chores until you've asked five times, but remembers every detail about their gaming tournament schedule without reminders.
Parent
You implement a consequence for missing curfew, but your teen accepts it cheerfully, making you wonder if your strategy is teaching anything or just becoming a transaction.
Tiny steps to try
Implement behavior strategies that work with adolescent development rather than against it.
- 1
ABC analysis
Track Antecedent (what happens before), Behavior, and Consequence (what happens after). Patterns reveal triggers and maintaining factors you can address.
- 2
Replacement behavior teaching
Instead of just stopping unwanted behavior, actively teach what to do instead. [Study skills](/the-parent-bit/study-skills-for-high-schoolers-mastering-note-taking) replace procrastination habits.
- 3
Environmental engineering
Modify surroundings to make desired behavior easier and undesired behavior harder. Remove temptations rather than relying on willpower.
- 4
Collaborative contracts
Create behavior agreements together, letting your teen help design consequences and rewards. Ownership increases follow-through.
- 5
Skill-building focus
Many behavior problems stem from missing skills. Teach [executive functioning](/the-parent-bit/3-ways-an-executive-functioning-coach-can-help-your-child) explicitly rather than expecting intuitive development.
Why behavior strategies matter
Effective behavior strategies go beyond simple rewards and punishments to address the underlying causes of challenging behaviors while teaching replacement skills your teen actually needs.
Modern behavior strategies focus on:
• Understanding behavior as communication
• Teaching missing skills rather than just punishing
• Environmental modifications preventing problems
• Building intrinsic motivation alongside external structure
• Collaborative problem-solving respecting teen autonomy
• Natural consequences that teach real-world lessons
Your teen's challenging behaviors often signal unmet needs, skill deficits, or environmental mismatches rather than defiance.
References
Carr, E. G., Dunlap, G., Horner, R. H., Koegel, R. L., Turnbull, A. P., Sailor, W., ... & Fox, L. (2002). Positive behavior support: Evolution of an applied science. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 4(1), 4-16.
Dunlap, G., Carr, E. G., Horner, R. H., Zarcone, J. R., & Schwartz, I. (2008). Positive behavior support and applied behavior analysis: A familial alliance. Behavior Modification, 32(5), 682-698.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do we stay consistent when strategies need constant adjustment?
Consistency doesn't mean rigidity. Core values and expectations remain stable while specific strategies evolve with your teen's development. Think of it like teaching swimming: the goal (water safety) stays constant, but techniques change as skills develop. Document what works and why, adjusting tactics while maintaining strategic direction. Regular family meetings help everyone stay aligned despite tactical changes.
What if my teen manipulates every behavior strategy we try?
Teens finding loopholes shows intelligence and growing autonomy, not manipulation. This actually indicates readiness for more collaborative approaches. Shift from imposed strategies to joint problem-solving. "You've figured out how to work around this system. Help me understand what would actually motivate you to complete homework." Often, teens who "manipulate" systems feel controlled and need more autonomy within structure.
Related Terms
Behavior Modification
Behavior modification uses systematic techniques based on learning principles to increase desired behaviors and decrease problematic ones through consistent consequences and environmental changes.
Executive Function
Executive function is your brain's management system that helps teens plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.
Natural Consequences
Natural consequences are the automatic results of teens' choices without parent intervention, teaching responsibility through real-world cause and effect.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement involves adding rewarding consequences after desired behaviors to increase the likelihood those behaviors will continue and strengthen over time.
Self-Monitoring
Self-monitoring is observing and tracking your own behaviors, thoughts, and progress to increase awareness and guide improvement.
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