Time-Outs As Punishments - Time Out as Corrective Action for Kids

Time-Outs As Punishments

Does your kid show inappropriate behavior? If yes, then you would realize that it is so difficult to make kids behave properly, especially when they are between 18-24 months of age. Most parents spank their child or face power-struggles with the kid. However, as parents, you should realize it is not punishment that the kid requires. Instead, opt for time-out. An effective discipline technique, time-outs give the child a clue of what he is expected to do and teaches him/her a difference between what is right and what is wrong, in a subtle way.

You can prepare a time-out chair in your home. Each time your kid misbehaves such as he/she throws tantrums, acts violently, or runs out on roads alone, you should make him understand that such a behavior is not permitted. If the kid persistently displays such behavior, make him/her sit on the time-out chair. Make sure that the time-out place you have chosen is isolated and leaves the child with little or no scope of interaction. The time allotted is a minute per year of age. With the tips given below, make time out an effective way to correct the child, without traumatizing him/her.

Tips To Make Time-Out Effective

The first step towards making time-out effective would be to be calm and composed. Do not get angry or you may have to face power-struggles later.

At the moment of time-out, make sure you are near to the child. The most ideal situation would be when you are within the hearing range of the child and where the child can see you. However, do not talk to him and keep ignoring him, until the time-out period gets over.

You may set the timer to let the child, know when the time-out is over.

Children can be made to sit on a chair in a corner with no interesting views or in the playpen during the time-out.

Children should clearly understand that, if they repeat any of the forbidden behaviors, then they have to go to time-out in a place. The place may not be frightening for them, but is definitely uninteresting and boring.

If the child leaves the time-out period without your permission, you may consider resetting the timer.

The ideal time set is a minute for each year of age your kid is of.

Tell your kid the rules of time-out - playing with toys computers or videogames, watching TV, using phone, reading storybooks and talking to others are not allowed during the 'time-out'. Make sure everyone in the family ignores the child, during the set time.

Most of the times kids agree to do, what parents has earlier asked them after the timeout session. However, there may be times, when your kid acts stubbornly. It is, thence, that you set the timer again and make him sit in the place again.

In case you are outdoors, first give a warning sign to your child. However, if your admonition has no result, the best bet would be to use the car as a time-out place for the unacceptable behavior.