I’m an ABA rockstar & I didn’t even realize it

I just realized that a routine I’ve been doing for a few months now is actually using a research-based strategy effectively. Clearly, I’m an ABA rockstar (even if I didn’t do it on purpose).

What is this genius plan and technique? Well, it’s not that exciting, but still- it’s backed up by decades of research. So if you think research is cool, I’m a rockstar. And you’ve come to the right place.

The strategy I’ve been using effectively is called Pairing (or Stimulus-stimulus pairing). I’ve taken a less preferred activity and paired it with something my Little likes, making the unfun activity a bajillion times easier. Well, what is it I’ve bene doing exactly?

Drumroll please….
Trimming her fingernails in the swing on the back porch

I told you it really wasn’t exciting. 

Unfun thing= being restrained in some way to have her nails trimmed. 
Fun thing= being outside, swinging between hands, before, and after the mini-mani.

It’s made my life easier and I was pretty pleased with myself when I realized how awesome I am at behavior analysis. Haha.

Want to learn actual techniques to try to promote those great behaviors in your household? I share 10 specific strategies with examples in Parenting with Science: Behavior Analysis Saves Mom’s Sanity.