How to Make Toddler Time Outs Work

Even toddlers can understand the consequences of their actions. The best way to teach your toddler about consequences is to establish time outs for unruly behavior. Used in moderation, time outs can help teach a young toddler boundaries and following rules.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take time outs together at first. To teach your toddler how to take a time out, sit with him the first few times to show him what is expected.

2. Designate a time out space in each room and outside. Use this space all the time so your toddler recognizes the purpose of the designated area(s).

3. Keep the length of the time out proportionate to your child's age. Experts recommend 1 minute per year, so if your child is 2 years old, give 2 minutes in time out.

4. Give your child a chance to correct the unacceptable behavior before putting him in time out. A toddler, or any child, must get a warning with specific instructions.

5. Help your toddler calm down and pass the time out by reciting her "ABCs" or sing a song while she sits.

6. Request an apology before allowing a toddler to leave the time out area. Young children understand the word "sorry" just as much as older kids.

7. Let the infraction out go when time out is done. A time out is not a punishment, instead it is time for your child to cool down and get rid of the frustration that was causing the negative behavior.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't dwell on the behavior or the time out when its done.
• Overused time outs turn into a game for toddlers. Pick and choose the best opportunities for them, and handle the minor negative behaviors without time outs.
• Use time out for a child that's at least 2 years old, possibly older depending on the development stage, to fully understand what a time out is and have the attention span to sit through it.