Ideas to improve time out

Being a parent is tough (it is also the best). Toddlers are known for their determination in asserting their independence. “NO”! is commonly heard. Most parents are building disciplinary tools. You may include redirection, distraction, natural consequences and time out.

Most of us are aware of time out. But what do you really know about it? Time out is one of the most widely used discipline strategies. In fact, time out dates to the 1950s. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends time outs. Eighty-five percent of parents use time out. But it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. When a child is crying, he needs for the adult to find out what’s wrong and some behaviors can be ignored or redirected. Praise and positive reinforcement are effective in modifying behavior.

Effective time out

Research shows for a time out to be effective it must be used as intended. Time out is not a punishment nor is it solitary confinement. Rather, think of time out as a quiet time. The goal is for it to be time for a child to calm down, get control and re-enter the situation better equipped to cope. A time out also gives the adult time to take a deep breath. Here are some tips for time out:

• Time out works best after your child’s second birthday.
• Tell your child in a calm but firm voice that he/she is going to time out.
• Time out occurs immediately after the misbehavior.
• Read books that highlight emotions (see my recommendations below).
• Use time out sparingly.
• Be consistent.
• Provide routines so your child knows what to expect.
• Time out should be one minute per a child’s age (a 2 year old gets a 2 minute time out).
• Praise positive behavior.