Timeout involves placing your child on a chair for a short period of time following the occurrence of an unacceptable behavior. This procedure has been effective in reducing problem behaviors, such as tantrums, hitting, biting, failure to follow directions, etc. Parents have found that timeout works better than spanking, yelling or threatening their child. Timeout is useful for children from 18 months through 10 years of age.
Preparations for Timeout
Before you begin the timeout discipline procedure, you will need to make the following preparations:
Buy a small, portable kitchen timer.
Before using timeout for discipline, you should practice using it with your child at a pleasant time.
Tell your child there are two rules when he is in timeout:
After explaining the rules and checking to be sure your child understands them, go through the steps in "Procedure for Timeout," (see below). Tell your child you are "pretending" this time.
Mention to your child that you will be using timeout instead of repeated yelling or threatening. Most children are pleased to hear this.
Parents should remember:
Siblings should remember: