If you’re a parent, you’ve probably encountered behaviors you’d like to see a little (or a lot) less of. Enter DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior), a technique in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that can help you focus less on what your child shouldn’t be doing and more on what they’re doing right.
Let’s talk about how DRO works, why it’s a win-win approach for both parents and kids, and some practical examples for using it at home.
What is DRO, Really?
DRO, or Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior, is an ABA strategy that rewards anything but the behavior you’re trying to reduce. Unlike approaches that ignore or punish challenging behavior, DRO swoops in with a positive spin: it lets you reward any behavior your child displays as long as it’s not the behavior you’re trying to reduce. It’s like flipping a switch from “stop doing that” to “keep doing anything but that!”
Instead of constantly saying “no” or trying to “extinguish” a behavior by ignoring it, you’re building up your child’s understanding that behaving in alternative ways (like being calm, patient, or cooperative) can be even more rewarding.
Why DRO is the Positivity Champion
DRO isn’t just about avoiding negative behaviors; it’s about teaching your child that positive, alternative actions will pay off! Plus, since we’re focusing on the moments when they aren’t doing the challenging behavior, it keeps the atmosphere more relaxed and positive. By reinforcing your child for not engaging in the undesired behavior, you’re showing them a path to more constructive, socially appropriate responses.
Three Real-Life Examples of DRO at Work
To bring DRO to life, here are three ways you can use this technique with your child to reduce challenging behaviors without making it feel like a constant battle:
1. Reducing Grocery Store Meltdowns: The “Snack Attack” DRO
If you’ve ever found yourself navigating a grocery store aisle while your child begs for every snack on the shelf, DRO can be a game-changer:
- Explain the Deal: Before you start shopping, set a goal that they’ll earn a small reward (maybe a sticker or a snack from home) if they can avoid asking for snacks until checkout.
- Use Timed Intervals: Break it down with manageable intervals. Every 5 minutes that go by without a “Can I have that?” moment, give them a sticker or tally mark toward their goal.
- Outcome: Gradually increase the intervals over time, and soon you’ll be breezing through the store without the drama. Your child learns that the ultimate reward comes from holding back, and you get to enjoy a shopping trip that’s meltdown-free.
2. Screen Time Negotiations: “But Can I Watch Another Show?”
Screen time limits can feel like a minefield, with requests for “just one more episode” seemingly popping up every few minutes. Here’s how DRO can help:
- Set the Expectation: Let your child know they’ll earn points for every 10 minutes they go without asking for more screen time. Set a timer and let them watch the clock to see when it’s reset.
- Reward Each Interval: When they make it through each interval without bringing up screen time, give them a point. These points could go toward some fun alternative activity, like 5 extra minutes the next day or a chance to choose the family movie on Friday night.
- Outcome: Gradually increase the interval length as they become pros at waiting, and you’ll both feel the screen-time negotiations turn into calm conversations instead of high-stakes battles.
3. Curbing Sibling Rivalry: “Tattle-Free” Zones
If sibling squabbles or tattling are the soundtrack of your household, DRO can work wonders in helping kids find better ways to resolve small conflicts:
- Create a Tattle-Free Zone: Start with a short interval, say 10 minutes, during which the goal is for them to go without tattling. Set a timer they can see (this makes it more fun and engaging!).
- Provide Immediate Reinforcement: If they make it to the 10-minute mark without tattling, celebrate their teamwork with a sticker or point toward a bigger reward, like a special snack or time for their favorite activity.
- Outcome: As the intervals lengthen, your kids start figuring out how to navigate minor disagreements on their own, and your home becomes a tattle-free zone more often than not!
Tips for Making DRO Work
- Keep Intervals Short to Start: Starting with short, achievable intervals helps build momentum and keeps your child engaged in the process. Once they succeed with a short interval, you can gradually increase it.
- Choose Motivating Rewards: Pick something they’re really excited about! It could be a small prize, a preferred activity, or even praise. As long as they care about it, they’ll be motivated to work toward it.
- Stay Consistent: The key to success with DRO is consistency. Be prepared to reward each interval and track progress to keep things fun and encouraging.
- Celebrate Wins: Cheer them on, even for small successes. Consistent positive feedback keeps them motivated and reinforces the idea that they’re succeeding.
Final Thoughts
DRO is about building up your child’s positive behavior toolkit by rewarding moments when they’re doing anything but the challenging behavior. It’s a subtle shift that can make a huge difference—transforming “don’t do that” into “look at all the great things you’re doing!”
By focusing on the times when your child is not engaging in challenging behaviors, you’re helping them see that there are other ways to get their needs met. With DRO, you can turn potential battles into teachable moments, and everyone wins. So go ahead, try it out, and see how DRO can help transform your everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and fun!