Carrying ABA Strategies into the Home: Tips for Busy Parents

As Board Certified Behavior Analysts, we’ve had the privilege of working with countless families who are deeply committed to helping their children thrive. As a busy parent, you may be wondering, “How can I use these ABA strategies at home—especially when life is already so busy?”

We hear you. Parenting is a full-time job, some of you may have an already existing full-time job, and adding therapy techniques to your daily routine might feel overwhelming. The good news is: it can be done. And it doesn’t have to mean setting aside hours of extra time each day. With some thoughtful adjustments and consistency, you can reinforce your child’s progress right at home—during routines you’re already doing.

Here are some compassionate, realistic tips for busy parents to help you carry ABA strategies into your daily life:

1. Keep It Simple and Sustainable

One of the core principles of ABA is consistency, not complexity. You don’t need to replicate your child’s therapy sessions at home. Instead, focus on one or two strategies your therapist has introduced and find simple ways to integrate them into your day.

Tip: If your child is working on following one-step instructions, try using these during routine activities “Put your shoes on,” “Throw this in the trash,” or “Bring me your cup.” Praise them warmly when they follow through.

2. Turn Everyday Moments into Teaching Opportunities

ABA isn’t limited to therapy centers. The dinner table, bath time, and even a trip to the grocery store are all perfect chances to practice communication, patience, and independence.

Tip: Use meals to practice requesting. Offer a small portion and encourage your child to request more using words, pictures, or gestures they’ve learned. Then reinforce their effort with the item they asked for.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement—And Be Specific

Praise is powerful. When your child demonstrates a positive behavior, name it and celebrate it. This helps them understand exactly what they did right and encourages them to do it again.

Tip: Instead of saying “Good job,” try “Great job waiting your turn!” or “I love how you used your words to ask for help!”

4. Establish Routines—and Stick to Them

Predictable routines help children feel secure and reduce the likelihood of challenging behavior. ABA often emphasizes the importance of structure, and the home environment is the perfect place to support that.

Tip: Use visual schedules or simple checklists to help your child anticipate what’s coming next—this can reduce anxiety and increase independence.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

Progress in ABA often happens in small, meaningful steps. Recognize those victories, even if they feel tiny in the grand scheme. They’re building blocks toward long-term growth.

Tip: If your child sits at the table for 2 minutes without getting up, and yesterday it was 1 minute—that’s a win. Celebrate it. Let them know you noticed.

6. Lean on Your Therapy Team

Remember: you’re not in this alone. Your ABA team should be your partners, helping to create a plan that fits your family’s life. Ask for strategies that can be adapted into your daily routines, and let them know what’s working—and what’s not.

Tip: If mornings are tough, ask your BCBA to help you build a reinforcement system specifically for the morning routine. The more personalized the plan, the better the results.

7. Give Yourself Grace

Above all, be kind to yourself. Some days will feel easier than others. Some days you might forget the strategies altogether—and that’s okay. What matters most is that you keep trying. Your efforts matter. Your love and commitment matter. And your child feels that every day.

At Pathways to Potential, we believe that every child can grow, and every family deserves support along the way. You don’t have to be a therapist to make a difference—you just have to show up, be present, and apply what you can, when you can.

If you ever feel unsure of how to start or need a helping hand, we’re here for you. Together, we can build a pathway that honors your child’s potential and supports your family’s journey.

Need help creating an at-home plan or just want to talk with a BCBA who understands? Reach out to us at info@pathways2potential.org. We’re here to walk the path with you.