What intervention might a behavioral family therapist suggest for a child who refuses to go to bed?

A behavioral family therapist would likely suggest using positive reinforcement for good behavior when addressing a child's refusal to go to bed. This approach focuses on reinforcing desired behaviors rather than punishing undesirable ones. By providing positive reinforcement—such as praise, rewards, or incentives—for the child going to bed on time or engaging in calming bedtime routines, the therapist aims to encourage and establish a consistent behavior over time.

Implementing a bedtime story routine can be helpful for creating a calming atmosphere, but it doesn't directly address the child's noncompliance with going to bed. While putting the child into timeout might appear to be a disciplinary approach, it does not teach or reinforce the desired bedtime behavior effectively. Similarly, discussing the issue with the parents may provide insight into the problem but does not offer an immediate, practical strategy to modify the child's behavior. Thus, positive reinforcement emerges as the most effective intervention for fostering compliance in bedtime routines.