Using the ignore strategy to improve behaviour

Inappropriate behaviours such as whining, answering back, swearing, cockiness, sulking and tantrums can be really frustrating to deal with, however they are not   dangerous and can usually be ignored. By using the ignore strategy systematically these behaviours can be eliminated or significantly reduced.

Parents often feel like they are allowing their child to “get away” with challenging    behaviour if they do not tell the child off. The opposite is actually true and the ignore strategy is a powerful tactic to implement with your child.

The theory behind the ignore strategy is really simple. Children will generally do whatever it takes to get your attention. By rewarding positive behaviour with your   attention and ignoring challenging behaviour your child’s positive behaviour will      increase and their challenging behaviour will reduce.

While the ignore strategy is really effective it is often the most difficult to implement as your child’s behaviour may get worse before it gets better. You may feel like you are in the eye of the storm for a short while until you have perfected your technique.

Tips for an effective ignore.

· Avoid eye contact and discussion while ignoring a behaviour.

· Physically move away from your child but keep them in sight to ensure they are safe

· Be prepared to be tested at first, it will get easier with practice.

· Be consistent

· Return your attention as soon as the behaviour has stopped

· Choose specific behaviours to ignore and ensure you can ignore them every time.

· Limit the number of behaviours you are ignoring to 2 or 3 at a time.

· Stay calm and in control.

· Give attention to the first positive behaviour you see after an ignore to get your child back in to a positive attention cycle.

Remember - Give LOTS of attention and praise to the behaviours you want to see more of, ignoring will never work without the attention being given to positive          behaviours.