"First homework, then tablet." If you have ever said something like this, you have already used the Premack Principle. It is one of the simplest and most useful tools in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and it works just as well at a Raleigh kitchen table as it does in a structured therapy session.
The Premack Principle says that a preferred activity can be used to motivate a less preferred one. In plain terms, a child is more likely to do something they find hard or boring when they know something they enjoy comes right after. ABA therapists call this a first-then contingency, and many families know it as "Grandma's rule." For children with autism, a clear first-then structure reduces uncertainty, builds cooperation and makes daily routines feel more predictable.
This guide explains what the Premack Principle is, how first-then boards work, and gives real examples North Carolina parents can start using at home today.
The Premack Principle was described by psychologist David Premack in the 1960s. His research showed that a high-probability behavior (something a person chooses to do often) can reinforce a low-probability behavior (something a person rarely chooses to do). When access to the preferred activity depends on finishing the less preferred one, the less preferred activity happens more often.
In ABA, this is a form of positive reinforcement. The reward is not a sticker or a treat chosen by an adult. It is an activity the child already loves, such as playing outside, watching a show or building with blocks. That makes the Premack Principle easy to use and very natural.
The Premack Principle means using something a child wants to do as the reward for something they need to do. "First brush teeth, then bedtime story" is a simple example.
ABA therapists use first-then language throughout sessions. A therapist might say, "First puzzle, then bubbles," and follow through as soon as the puzzle is done. Over time, the child learns that the adult keeps their word, which builds trust and cooperation. If you want to learn more about how trust is built early in therapy, read about reinforcement in ABA.
Three things make first-then effective:
A first-then board is a simple visual tool with two boxes. The left box shows the task (first) and the right box shows the reward (then). Pictures, photos or written words can be used depending on the child's reading level. Visual supports help many children with autism understand expectations without relying only on spoken language.
You can make a first-then board at home with a piece of cardboard, two strips of Velcro and printed pictures of common activities. Laminated boards last longer and are easy to take on errands. If your child already uses picture routines, a first-then board fits naturally with visual schedules at home.
First-then boards help young children, children who are nonverbal or minimally verbal, and any child who does better with visual information than with spoken instructions alone.
Here are everyday first-then examples that North Carolina families use across common routines.
Mornings are busy for families across Raleigh and Wake County. Instead of repeating "Get dressed" five times, try "First shoes on, then cartoon." Show the picture of shoes and the picture of the TV on the board. Praise the child as soon as the shoes are on and start the cartoon right away.
For children with limited diets, use a very small first step. "First touch the carrot, then chips." Once that is easy, move to "First lick the carrot" and later "First one bite." Small steps keep the task achievable.
Break homework into short chunks. "First read one page, then Lego break." Use a timer for the break so the transition back to work is clear. This approach also builds tolerance for longer tasks, which supports school readiness.
Leaving a tablet is a common trigger for meltdowns. Pair the transition with something the child also enjoys: "First tablet off, then help me make popcorn." The second activity gives the child a reason to transition.
Many parents worry that first-then is the same as bribery. It is not. A bribe is offered after a problem behavior has started, for example, offering candy to stop a tantrum. That can accidentally reward the tantrum. First-then is stated before the task begins and is part of a predictable routine. The reward is earned by completing the task, not by stopping a problem behavior.
No. A first-then contingency is set up in advance and earned by finishing a task. A bribe is offered during challenging behavior and can make that behavior more likely.
Sunny Skies ABA provides in-home and school-based ABA therapy across North Carolina, with a primary focus on Raleigh families. Because therapy happens where your child lives and learns, first-then strategies are built into real routines like mornings, meals and homework. Our clinical team designs each plan, and our parent guidance sessions show you how to use first-then language consistently between visits.
ABA therapy is covered by most insurance plans in North Carolina, including NC Medicaid for eligible children under 21. Our team verifies your benefits for you. Learn more about ABA therapy in Raleigh.
"First put on your pajamas, then you can read a book with me." The less preferred task comes first, and the preferred activity comes right after.
Yes. "Grandma's rule" is a common name for the same idea: eat your vegetables first, then you get dessert.
Many families start with toddlers around age two using simple picture boards. The principle works for older children and teens too, with written lists instead of pictures.
Make the task smaller and check that the reward is truly motivating. Stay calm, repeat the first-then statement once, and wait.
It can prevent some challenging behavior by making expectations clear. For ongoing behavior concerns, an ABA team can complete a functional behavior assessment to find the cause.
Yes. Most North Carolina insurance plans, including NC Medicaid for eligible children, cover ABA therapy for children with autism when it is medically necessary. Parent training is part of covered ABA services.
The Premack Principle is simple, but consistency makes it powerful. Start with one routine, use clear first-then language, and follow through every time. If you would like support building these strategies into your child's day, book a free consultation with Sunny Skies ABA. For more background on autism and early support, visit the CDC autism resource page.
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