>> When children misbehave
time out allows parents
to take children from where
they are acting up and put them
in a safe place away
from the things they
like such as their toys.
Time out gives children
and parents time
to calm down and regroup.
>> Time out is an effective
tool because it is neutral,
because it really addresses
those behaviors that are really
about getting a child's
attention,
and because it's safe.
>> There are 5 steps
to using time out.
Step 1. Check the behavior.
Use time out for
serious problem behaviors
such as breaking a family rule.
Warn your child that
they'll go to time
out if they don't
stop the behavior.
And if you give a warning always
be willing to follow through.
>> So if you tell a
child that there's going
to be consequence you'd better
be ready to follow through,
and you really can't threaten
consequences you're not ready
to put in to action.
>> Step 2.
Tell the child they are
going to time out and why.
It's important that you let your
child know clearly what they did
to get the time out.
Step 3. Have the
child sit in time out.
You may need to lead
your child to time out.
If your child won't go,
walk them to time out.
As a last resort,
carry them to time out.
Make sure you carry them
in a way that is safe
for both you and your child.
>> Children don't want to
go to time out, of course,
because it's something negative.
You're removing them from
a rewarding situation.
So you can expect some
unhappiness with it,
some kicking sometimes, some
screaming, that kind of thing.
But if a child won't
go you take them
by the hand, you make them go.
If they still won't
go you pick them up.
You put them in the
time out spot.
I mean it's non negotiable.
>> Do not talk to your child
while she is in time out,
but keep an eye on her
to make sure she stays
in time out and is safe.
Step 4. End time out.
If your child is quiet for the
last 5 seconds or so of time
out you may end time out.
You should give your
child 1 minute of time
out for every year of age.
So if a child is 3 you should
give them a 3 minute time out.
Children should not
be allowed to get
out of doing what
you told them to do.
When time out is over have your
child do what you originally
told them to do before
the time out.
Step 5. Praise the next
good thing your child does.
You want your child to
know that time out is over
and that you still love her.
There are other ways to do time
out that you may find useful.
For example, if children
are fighting over a toy
or playing too rough
with a particular toy,
take the toy away and
put it in time out.
You can also use time
out in a public place.
Find a spot where your child
will not be around other people,
such as staring at a blank
wall, and follow the steps
for time out you use at home.
>> You have to be thinking,
"Well, if I'm going to have
to use time out where
am I going to use it
in this particular situation?"
You brainstorm all of that
ahead of time so that you're not
in a moment and then
left with, "Oh,
I don't know what to do here."
>> Using time out will stop
your child from acting up
and let them know there is a
consequence for misbehavior.
Always follow time out
and other consequences
with positive actions
between you and your child.
It's important that they
know you still love them.
