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Time out |
| Definition: |
| A technique used by parents and teachers in response to undesired behaviors amongst children. It involves removing the child from the environment and activities in which the inappropriate and undesirable behavior occurred and placing him or her in a specific place for a specific amount of time to be quiet and reflect on the behavior. Time out is an effective disciplinary technique in which no physical punishment is used. Professionals report that avoidance of physical punishment may help prevent children from learning that physical violence or infliction of physical pain is appropriate to achieve their desired results. Children learn to avoid "time out" by ceasing the behaviors that have caused previous "time outs" or those that result in such warnings. |
| Information: |
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How to Use "Time Out": 1) Find a place in your home that will be suitable for "time out". A chair in the hallway or corner is appropriate. It should be a place that is not too closed off, dark, or scary. It should also be a place that has no potential for fun (e.g., in front of TV or computer , in a play area). The object of the time out is to bore your child and not to scare them. 2) Get a timer that makes a loud noise, and establish the amount of time to be spent in the Time Out. It is generally recommended to do ONE MINUTE PER YEAR OF AGE, but no more than 5 minutes. 3) Once your child exhibits bad behavior, give a clear, concrete explanation of what the unacceptable behavior is and tell them to stop it. Warn the child of the consequences for not stopping the behavior, that is sitting in the chair for a Time Out. Be sure to praise your child if they do stop. 4) If your child has earned a Time Out, tell them to go to Time Out and tell them why. Make sure they understand the rules. Only say it once...do not lose your temper. By yelling and nagging you are giving them too much attention. You may guide them to the Time Out spot with as much physical force as necessary (even pick them up and place them in the chair). Never spank or physically hurt your child. If your child will not stay in the chair, you should hold them from behind, but do not speak to them as this is still giving them attention. 5) Set the timer. If they make noise or misbehave, reset the timer. If they get off the chair, lead them back to the Time Out chair and reset the timer. They must be quiet and well behaved until the timer goes off. 6) After the timer rings, your child may get up and resume activities. Do not hold a grudge and let the issue go. Your child has served his/her time and so there is no need to continue to argue about the misbehavior. |
Reviewed By: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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