Why Parents Resist Change: A Behavior Analyst's Perspective

Parents often struggle to adapt to new parenting methods, even when faced with overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness. Board-certified behavior analyst Amanda, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA, highlights this challenge in a recent video. "The hardest parents to help aren't those who make mistakes," Amanda explains, "but those stuck in their old ways, choosing familiarity over proven results." This resistance to change, she argues, isn't a sign of weakness but a common hurdle. The video emphasizes the importance of prioritizing children's needs and adapting strategies accordingly. Unlearning ineffective techniques, Amanda stresses, is a sign of progress, not weakness. This message resonates with many parents, encouraging them to embrace evidence-based parenting practices for better outcomes.