Parsimony

Within the world of behavioral therapy we believe in 6 attitudes that determine “science”. The attitudes of science include determinism, empiricism, experimentation, replication, philosophical doubt, and parsimony. While all are obviously very important, the attitude that always catches my attention is parsimony. Parsimony means that as individuals within the field we are going to rule out all simple explanations for a behavior occurring before we put an intervention plan in place. For example, it’s cold and flu season and your child starts to show the behavior of taking more naps than usual. Instead of jumping to conclusions and assuming that their bedtime routine no longer works and a behavior plan for going to bed needs to be established, rule out the simple explanation, check if they have a fever as we all know that illness can make us feel sleepy and not quite ourselves.

Are the days where it seems like your child never stops whining and crying exhausting? Oh my goodness more so than words can describe! But what if we approach each meltdown with giving them the benefit of the doubt? Come to them with understanding and model that functional communication. And when it’s 5 o’clock and you don’t think you can console another heart break over goldfish crackers… Turn on Mambo #5 and bust a move (distract, distract, distract).

As parents we can’t forget to put our scientist hats on and rule out the simple explanations first. Instead of jumping to conclusions that your child’s tantrum behavior is somehow a reflection of your parenting, spend a few extra minutes examining the needs they might have.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1