Active ignoring is a deliberate decision by parents not to respond to these unwanted behaviors with the goal of decreasing these unwanted behaviors over time. Contrary to how it might sound, it isn't about ignoring your children, but rather using your attention very intentionally to influence behavior change. Instead, it's a method rooted in behavioral psychology that teaches parents to differentiate between behaviors that need intervention and those that are merely seeking attention. Parents can reduce these attention-seeking behaviors by opting not to reward them with a reaction. In essence, active ignoring is about using parental attention as a tool to promote healthier interactions and behaviors in children. Active ignoring is not a tactic to manipulate or control a child's behavior, but rather a strategic response aimed at helping children comprehend the consequences of their actions. Recognize A Behavior Worthy of Ignoring, Before practicing active ignoring, it's essential to recognize which behaviors are appropriate to ignore, typically these are minor, attention-seeking actions that aren’t dangerous.