Chapter 11 - Ignoring Problem Behavior

How Should I Ignore?

Ignoring works best when you:

• Obviously ignore your child
• Ignore immediately after the behavior starts
• Ignore consistently after problem behavior
• Give your child lots of attention and praise for appropriate behavior
• Praise positive behavior at the same time
• Look for success and make changes if needed
• Check for your child's safety
• Understand that the problem behavior might get worse before it gets better

There are many behaviors that can be reduced with ignoring. Whining, tantrums, and interruptions are examples of problem behaviors that can be ignored. Of course there are other behaviors that you can't ignore; like running out into the street, destroying objects, and hurting other people.