In a previous blog, we discuss the strategy of catching children’s good behavior. Another strategy that could be used is called planned ignoring. Planned ignoring is when you deliberately withholding attention when the child is engaging in behavior that you do not want to see, and the behavior would be less likely to happen in the future. It might sound simple enough to implement. However, there are a couple of things that need to be noted to see effective results.

• Consistency is key
  When withholding attention for unwanted behaviors, keep it consistent. In order words, you should be clear with your expectation and the child will understand that the particular behavior will not result in the consequence (reward) they had in the past. For example, your child might yell loudly, as a result, she gets your attention. Now, you would look away or walk out of the room.
• Reinforce other behavior
  Planned ignoring should NOT be used alone. Reinforcement-based procedures should always be used in conjunction with planned ignoring. Providing attention when the child engages in behavior that you want to see more of. You need to make sure that the child knows what to do instead. For example. When your child asks for your attention by tapping you in the back, make sure to provide your undivided attention and deliver behavior-specific praise.
• Extinction burst
  Extinction bursts are sudden and expected increases in unwanted behavior. Therefore, when you first look away or walk out of the room when your child yells for attention, you might hear your child yells louder as a result. We encounter extinction bursts more often than you think. Think of the time you push an elevator button to close the door. As most of the time, the door does not close immediately. What do you do usually? You push a couple more times or pushing it harder. Therefore, the procedure is working when you see an expected increase in behavior.

Planned ignoring is a strategy that is not easy to implement as you can imagine it is extremely difficult to not give in from time to time. Extinction burst often is not easy to tolerate for most caregivers. Here are some takeaway points:

• NOT using planned ignoring alone: When a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) use planned ignoring, Reinforcement based strategies are always used. Attention or praise will be provided for positive behavior to teach the child what to do instead to get attention. For example, if your child is bouncing up and down during dinner time, you could leave them out of your conversation and not looking at them until they sit in the chair nicely. Then, you will immediately say “I love how you sit in your chair. Can you tell us more about your day at school today?”
• It gets worst so it is working: Remember the unwanted behavior tends to get worst for a short period before it gets better. When a BCBA implements planned ignoring, many parents are concerned because the behavior seems to get worst. Having extinction burst in mind will help you to follow through with the plan put in place by a BCBA.

Next week, let us examine some of the tips when using planned ignoring and if this tool is the best option for you and your child.