How to Successfully Put a Child in Timeout

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By Becca
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Any chair available can be used for a timeout.

Learn the proper way to use the timeout technique for disciplining a young child.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Give the child a warning. Upon the first instance that the child engages in the unwanted behavior warn them of the upcoming timeout. Get down on their level, make eye contact and explain to the child that if they engage in the behavior again they will be sent to timeout. i.e. "If you throw the toy at Mommy again, you will be sent to timeout."
Step 2

When the child engages in the behavior again, pick the child up, place him or her in timeout and explain to them at their eye level why they are in time out. i.e. "You threw the toy at Mommy even though I told you not to, now you have to sit in timeout."
Step 3

Walk away from the child and say nothing else. If the child gets up simply pick him or up and place her back in the chair without saying a word. Do not explain why they are in timeout again and do not remain with them at the chair. Repeat the process over and over until the child gives in. This is the hardest part of the process but giving in will make your child even more stubborn as they will see it as a win.
Step 4

Once the child gives in you may begin timing. The amount of time a child should sit in timeout equals their age, i.e. a 3 year old child should sit for 3 minutes. Once the timeout is over you may go explain to the child again what they did wrong and have them apologize.