Overview of: What if it's Not Just Behaviour: A New Way to Parent with Positive Systems Approach
📘 What if it’s Not Just the Behaviour?
A New Way to Parent with a Positive Systems Approach
By Dr. Bob Carey
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but it should come with a system. If you’re raising a child with disruptive behaviours—meltdowns, defiance, aggression, or withdrawal—you already know how frustrating and isolating it can feel. You’ve probably tried reward charts, time-outs, consequences, and everything in between. But what if the behaviour isn’t the real problem?
🔍 A New Lens on Disruptive Behaviour
What if it’s Not Just the Behaviour? flips the script on traditional discipline. Instead of treating behaviour as something to control, this book helps parents see it as communication. Grounded in Dr. Bob Carey’s clinical expertise and decades of experience, it introduces the Positive Systems Approach (PSA)—a transformative framework that goes beyond punishment and quick fixes to foster real, lasting change.
This isn’t a parenting “hack” book. It’s a deep and compassionate guide that helps you:
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Decode what your child’s behaviour is really trying to say
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Build systems at home that promote emotional safety and self-regulation
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Prevent meltdowns and power struggles with proactive strategies
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Use tools like redirection, co-regulation, and non-contingent reinforcement
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Align your parenting team for consistent, calm, and connected support
💡 What Is the Positive Systems Approach?
Developed by Dr. Carey, PSA blends:
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Positive Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA without the harshness)
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Systems Thinking (understanding the full picture: home, school, relationships, environment)
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Compassion-Based Practices (safety and trust come first)
PSA teaches parents how to shift from reacting to responding, from fixing to understanding, and from chaos to clarity. You’ll learn to see the why behind your child’s actions—and what they need to succeed.
🛠️ Inside the Book
You’ll find:
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Real-life case studies
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Parent self-assessments
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Step-by-step behavioural analysis tools (like functional behaviour assessments)
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Reflection exercises and checklists
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Printable charts, support templates, and reinforcement plans
This book is designed to help you rebuild confidence, restore connection, and reclaim your role as a calm, effective parent—even in the toughest moments.
🌟 Who It’s For
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Parents of children with ADHD, ASD, ODD, anxiety, or trauma histories
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Families overwhelmed by frequent outbursts or chronic power struggles
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Co-parents, caregivers, teachers, and therapists seeking alignment
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Anyone ready to trade punishment for purpose, and control for connection
🧭 Why This Matters
Disruptive behaviour often signals unmet needs, emotional overload, or gaps in communication and skill development. What if it’s Not Just the Behaviour? gives you the tools to interpret those signals, respond with compassion, and create lasting systems of support. You’re not failing. You’re just being asked to lead without a map. This book is that map.
📦 Available Now on Amazon
❤️ From Dr. Bob Carey
"This book is my response to every parent who’s ever asked, 'Can I use these strategies at home?' Yes, you can. And they work. PSA is not about doing more—it’s about doing what works. It’s about leading with love, grounded in structure, science, and understanding."
Overview of the First Book in the Series: "Managing Disruptive Behaviours with a Positive Systems Approach"
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Title: Managing Disruptive Behaviours with a Positive Systems Approach
Authors: Dr. Bob Carey & Terry Kirkpatrick
Description: This book explores the practical application of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) within a Positive Systems Approach (PSA) to support individuals facing challenging behaviours. Topics include:
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discussion of the various theoretical underpinnings of PSA including applied behaviour analysis, gentle teaching and systems theory,
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dealing with preconceived attitudes that may interfere with application of PSA,
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outline of the 7 Individual and 7 System Factors that comprise PSA.
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Presentation of Case Studies that reflect the integration of positive systems for effective support.
Learning Objectives:
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Understand the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Systems Approach.
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Apply behavior assessment tools to analyze challenging behaviors.
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Develop and implement positive systems approach support plans that use evidence-based strategies stemming from ABA.
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How to address system factors to create a positive and supportive environment.
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Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and make data-driven decisions.
Required Text:
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Title: Managing Disruptive Behaviours with a Positive Systems Approach
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Author: Dr. Bob Carey, Terry Kirkpatrick
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Available for download on Amazon
Assessment:
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Each Chapter includes Study Questions designed to assess understanding of the material covered in that chapter.
Overview of Content:
Introduction to ABA and Positive Systems Approach
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Overview of ABA principles
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Introduction to Positive Systems
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Discussion: The integration of ABA and Positive Systems
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Behavior Assessment
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Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
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Data collection methods
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Case study analysis
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Description of 7 Individual and 7 System Factors in PSA
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Individual Factors: Identification/Assessment; Communication; Reinforcement; Re-Direction; Coping; Relationship/Rapport; Stimulation
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Case Studies
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System Factors: Flexibility; Perseverance/Tolerance; Consistency; Portability; Intensity; Change; Team Health
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Case Study – John’s Transition to a Positive Systems Approach
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Creating a positive and supportive environment
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Collaboration with support systems
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Assessing the effectiveness of your current interventions and transitioning to more of a Positive Systems Approach using PSA Checklist included in Blog section on drbobcarey.com
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Adjusting strategies based on data
