Welcome back to MasterUSMLE. Today, we’re talking about parent-child behavioral therapy—a crucial approach for managing disruptive behaviors in young children, whether or not they have ADHD.
A frustrated parent comes in saying, "My child never listens, is always on the move, and gets in trouble at school." Before jumping to medications, the first-line intervention is parent-child behavioral therapy.
Here’s how it works:
Teach parents to reinforce good behavior—praise, rewards, and structured routines.
Minimize ineffective discipline—avoid yelling, nagging, or giving in to tantrums.
Use mild consequences for unwanted behavior—time-outs, loss of privileges, and ignoring minor misbehavior.
This method not only improves behavior but also strengthens the parent-child relationship.
Key takeaway: If a young child is struggling with behavior issues, always start with behavioral therapy before considering medications.
That’s it for today—keep it simple, stay sharp, and I’ll catch you next time on MasterUSMLE!
