Identifying the function of your behavior is crucial in the ABA field and for a good reason. Knowing the function of your behavior can help you replace it with a more desirable one that meets your exact needs. However, this concept is usually applied to other people’s behavior and rarely your own.  But here's the good news: you can use behavior analysis to examine your behavior and determine its function. And thus change it.

As a parent, it's essential to understand your behavior as the curator of your child’s environment. If you want to change your child's behavior, you must first change your own. It's important to reflect on why you may have reacted to your child’s behavior in an unwanted way.    

You might ask yourself, “Did I give in to my child’s demands to avoid a tantrum or use guilt to coax my child to get what I want?” 

By understanding the reasons behind your behavior, you can decrease the likelihood of repeating those actions in the future. This knowledge can help you choose to respond differently and avoid using unwanted strategies going forward.

How Do I Know the Function of My Behavior?

The way you react in a given situation can be understood by following these steps:

1) Reflect on your thoughts and behavior

“I just gave in to my child’s rude request. I probably shouldn’t do that next time because it will only promote the rudeness happening again.”

2) Label your behavior by analyzing why

 “I think it was because I was preoccupied, which led to feelings of anxiousness and overwhelm.”

3) Notice your behavior at the moment

The next time the situation occurs, identify the feeling of being overwhelmed or preoccupied with your thoughts and choose to pause and respond differently.

It Works for All Aspects of Life

Understanding the purpose behind your actions is not only beneficial for parenting but also a valuable skill for navigating challenging circumstances in life. This approach promotes self-awareness, which is essential for personal growth. Behavior coaching can effectively bring about positive changes in your life and identify areas that need improvement. 

Looking to make a positive change? Contact us to learn how our behavior coaching services can help.