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Step 1
Set up a place where time outs will take place. This could be a small chair, a rug or a sticker on the wall behind the place where the child will be placed in time out. Try to keep the time out in the same location. If you need to move the place of the time out, try to use the same chair or rug. Avoid using every day furniture for time outs, like the couch or dining room chairs.
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Step 2
Don't use time outs as your only discipline tactic. Use time out when your child needs just that a time out. Use time out when your child needs to be removed from a situation that they are showing undesired behavior. With the key word being remove. Use time out when a child needs a break or alone time even if it is from their emotion.
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Step 3
Purchase a timer that you will use for time out. It is recommended that a child spend 1 minute in time out for every year of their age. So for example if a child is five they should spend 5 minutes in time out.
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Step 4
When a time out is in order, tell the child they need time out. Escort the child to the time out place. Tell them why they are being put in time out and set the timer. If the child cries or yells let them, or should I say ignore them. If your child leaves time out calmly escort them back to time out. Do this as many times as it takes. I will repeat this, escort them back as many times as it takes.
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Step 5
When the time out is finished, remind them again why they were in time out and ask them to apologize if a apology is in order. If you are still struggling with a child that removes themselves from time out, you can handle this one of two ways. You can either reset the timer every time you return the child to time out or let them know they can leave time out because and only because the timer indicates that time out is finished. Age would be the best indication of which method to use the older they are and more capable of understanding time. If they were crying or yelling the whole time let them know they can leave time out only because the timer is finished. This helps to teach them their behavior during time out didn't get them out of time out but rather their time out is just finished.
Comments
Sassy8722 said
on 4/28/2009 Awesome tips on using time out, I have a very stubborn 5 year old to try this on!
goodselfme said
on 4/24/2009 thank you for the info about time out for discipline.
kimarkent said
on 4/6/2009 My daughter in law does this with my grandbaby,,and surprisingly enough,,,it really works....thanks for sharing!! 5* and recommended
lovesherboys said
on 4/5/2009 Timeouts can be very effective when done properly-great job *****
southernemma said
on 4/5/2009 Perfect! I use timeouts with my 2 and 4 year old and it is probably the best technique I've found to settle them down before they get into real trouble.