Taking Parent Pushback Personally? Here's How to Avoid It and Stay Focused on Progress

As a BCBA, you might find yourself in situations where parents push back on your treatment plans, recommendations, or progress. It can sting, especially when you’ve worked hard to develop a plan that’s supposed to help their child. But it’s important to remember: parent pushback is not about you.

In this blog, I’ll share why taking parent pushback personally is a trap that can lead to frustration and miscommunication—and how to avoid that mindset so you can stay focused on the big picture: helping your client thrive.

Why Does Parent Pushback Happen?

Parent pushback can feel personal, but it's important to understand it’s often a reflection of fear, uncertainty, or frustration—not a judgment on your skills. Here are a few reasons why parents might resist recommendations:

• Fear of Change: Parents may feel overwhelmed or unsure about implementing new strategies, especially if they don’t understand them fully.

• Previous Experiences: Parents may have had past experiences with professionals that didn’t go as well, leading to skepticism or doubt.

• Emotional Investment: Parenting is hard work—and when you’re emotionally invested in your child’s well-being, any suggestion about their care can feel like a personal challenge.

Why You Shouldn’t Take Pushback Personally

🚨 1. It Clouds Your Objectivity

Taking things personally makes it harder to stay objective, which is crucial in our field. As a BCBA, you’re trained to focus on data and evidence-based practices. If you let emotions take over, you might find it hard to keep that perspective when working with parents.

🚨 2. It Hurts the Parent-BCBA Relationship

If you respond defensively or get upset, it can damage the trust and rapport you’ve worked to build with parents. Open communication and collaboration are key to ensuring the best outcomes for your client, so maintaining a positive working relationship is essential.

🚨 3. It Disrupts the Therapy Process

If you internalize pushback, it can lead to miscommunication or delayed implementation of the treatment plan. When parents are actively engaged in their child’s therapy, they’re partners in progress. Ignoring or resenting their feedback can slow everything down.

How to Avoid Taking Pushback Personally

💡 1. Understand the Root of the Pushback

Ask questions to gather context before reacting. A parent’s resistance might stem from something unspoken, like their own concerns or misunderstandings about therapy. If you can get to the heart of the issue, you can offer reassurance or clarification.

💡 2. Respond Calmly and Professionally

Take a breath, step back, and maintain a calm tone when discussing concerns with parents. Always approach pushback as an opportunity for open dialogue rather than as an emotional attack.

💡 3. Educate and Empower

Sometimes, parents simply need more information about why a strategy is important. Take the time to explain your reasoning in clear, understandable terms. You’re not only teaching the child, but you’re also helping the parents feel more confident in the treatment plan.

💡 4. Reflect on Your Own Emotions

If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a moment to reflect: why does this feedback bother you? Self-awareness can help you manage your reactions and stay professional.

💡 5. Seek Support When Needed

Parent pushback can be tough, and you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’re struggling with a difficult situation, reach out to a colleague or mentor for advice and support. It’s okay to ask for help.

Final Thoughts:

Parent pushback is a natural part of the therapeutic process. It doesn’t mean they don’t trust you or don’t want the best for their child—it’s just part of their journey, too. By not taking pushback personally, you can stay focused on building positive relationships with parents and keeping the therapy process on track.

When you shift your mindset and view pushback as constructive feedback, you can handle it professionally and continue making progress. And remember, it’s all part of the growth process—for both you and the families you support! 💙

Got any strategies you use when dealing with parent pushback? Share them in the comments! 💬