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Behavior data can build trust or damage it. The difference is often the way adults explain the pattern. Function-based parent communication helps families understand what the team is seeing, what the behavior may be communicating or achieving, and what adults will teach next.
The Goal
The goal is not to soften serious concerns. The goal is to describe them in a way that helps families stay engaged in problem solving.
Start With Observable Facts
Parents should not have to decode labels like "noncompliant," "manipulative," or "attention seeking." Start with what was observed.
Less Useful
"He was defiant all morning and refused to cooperate."
More Useful
"During independent writing, he put his head down for 11 minutes and did not begin after two prompts."
Explain Function Without Blame
A function hypothesis is not a character judgment. It is a best estimate of what outcome is maintaining the behavior. Use language that keeps the focus on support.
Escape: "The pattern suggests this behavior may help him delay or avoid work that feels difficult. We are teaching a safer way to ask for help or a short break."
Attention: "The data suggest the behavior often leads to adult attention. We are increasing planned positive attention and teaching a more appropriate way to get support."
Access: "The behavior often happens when a preferred item or activity is unavailable. We are teaching requesting, waiting, and choosing alternatives."
Sensory: "The behavior may meet a sensory or regulation need. We are looking for acceptable alternatives that meet that need safely."
Share Trends, Not Just Incidents
Incident-by-incident communication can make families feel like they are receiving a daily list of failures. Trends tell a more complete story. They show whether the behavior is increasing or decreasing, when it happens most often, and whether replacement skills are emerging.
- "The behavior is most likely during transitions from preferred to nonpreferred activities."
- "The total number of incidents is down, but duration is still long when it does happen."
- "She used the break card independently four times this week."
- "The data are not improving yet, so we are reviewing whether the plan is being implemented consistently."
Make Reports Parent-Friendly
A parent report should help families understand the plan without requiring a behavior-analysis background.
Include
- Plain-language definitions
- Trend graphs with short captions
- Replacement behavior progress
- What adults are changing next
- One or two ways families can support at home
Avoid
- Jargon without explanation
- Only negative incidents
- Speculation about motives
- Comparisons to other students
- Home advice that was not discussed with the family
Ask Families What They See
Families often know setting events, motivators, communication patterns, and stressors that school teams cannot observe. Family-school interventions show stronger outcomes when communication, collaboration, relationship building, and home-based supports are part of the work.
Questions That Invite Partnership
- "Does this pattern match what you see at home?"
- "What helps your child recover when a task feels overwhelming?"
- "Are there words, visuals, or routines that work well for your family?"
- "How often would you like progress updates, and what format is easiest to use?"
References
Center on PBIS. (n.d.). Family. https://www.pbis.org/topics/family
Sheridan, S. M., Smith, T. E., Kim, E. M., Beretvas, S. N., & Park, S. (2019). A meta-analysis of family-school interventions and children's social-emotional functioning: Moderators and components of efficacy. Review of Educational Research, 89(2), 296-332. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654318825437
Blue-Banning, M., Summers, J. A., Frankland, H. C., Lord Nelson, L., & Beegle, G. (2004). Dimensions of family and professional partnerships: Constructive guidelines for collaboration. Exceptional Children, 70(2), 167-184. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290407000203
IRIS Center. (2025). Functional Behavioral Assessment (Elementary): Identifying the Reasons for Student Behavior. Vanderbilt University. https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/fba-elem/
Put This Into Practice
Turn the article into action with ready-to-use materials and next steps.
Key Takeaways
- Parent communication should separate the student from the behavior pattern
- Function-based language explains what behavior may be doing for the student without excusing harm
- Families need both concerns and evidence of what is working
- Parent reports should define terms, show trends, and name the next support step
- Two-way communication improves the chance that school and home strategies align
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