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What should a parent do when their child misbehaves? Give them a Time Out of course!
Time Out is one of the most effective ways to discipline a child. When used correctly and repeatedly time out can change almost any childhood behavior. Time Out should be used when children are aggressive, harmful to others, or are so disruptive they can't be ignored. Time Out can begin at two years of age and continue up to seven or eight years of age.
Time Out consists of immediately isolating a child in a safe and boring place when they misbehave. Time Out should never be in a dark or scary place such as closets or basements. Places with hot water, for example bathrooms, or unstable shelves or bookcases are also poor choices. Having a child sit on a step or using a Time Out chair facing a wall or corner are good choices. The child should not be able to watch other family members. They should not be allowed to play with their toys or take a security object (blanket) with them.
Time Out allows a child to think about their behavior and allows both the parent and child a cool down period.
Time Out should be one minute for each year of age. It begins once a child is not yelling or being disruptive. Using a cooking timer is helpful. The child will then know that Time Out is up when the bell rings and it will keep them from asking if time is up.
If your child will not stay in a Time Out you may have to hold them in place. This can effectively and safely be done by holding them in place with your hands on their shoulders. This will let them know that you are serious. For older children (above four years) you may have to send them to a Time Out room. Their bedrooms are effective as long as they don't turn on the radio, T.V., or play video games. You can even use Time Out when you are away from home. Just always tell your child what behavior sent them to Time Out. With practice this will be an easy and effective discipline measure without the yelling, anger and frustration seen with other forms of discipline.
Mark Schane, M.D., is board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine. He has been practicing in the Pediatrics Department of Longmont Clinic since June 1995.
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