How to Use a Time-Out Punishment Effectively

Time-outs can be an effective punishment if used right. Having time to let a child reflect and cool off for a few minutes works to correct poor behavior choices. If you are using time-outs and not getting results take a step back and see what you may be doing wrong and what you can do to make them more effective.

Everything about atime-out needs to be consistent. You have set rules to abide by for your child but time-out itself needs specific rules as well.

Choose one spot in the house that is designated to be the time-out spot. Just picking random places in the house won't keep the punishment consistent and there could be distractions deterring them from staying put. Make sure that there is a chair or pillow that is there just for the time-out. Knowing where they will have to go every time will reinforce the time-out concept.

Depending on your child's age, give them a set time limit to be in time-out. Have a timer that you can use to keep track of minutes past. If they go to time-out with out a fight let them have the timer where they can see it. Good behavior even when going to time-out for a punishment should be acknowledged and even a small reward as letting them have a view of the time-out count down will be a big deal to them.

What are your rules for behavior when they are in time-out? Do they have to sit still? Can they make noise or do they have to be quiet the entire time? Are they going to have to stay in time-out longer if they do these things. If so, how much longer? Let them know what you expect from them when they are in time-out. Keep your rules consistent and remind them every time you put them in time-out.

After your child has completed their time-out and have calmed down utilize their collectiveness. Sit down next to them face to face and discuss what happened. Explain to them why they were in time-out and how they could have better handled the situation that resulted in a time-out.

Time-outs are good for more than just a punishment. They are a way for parents to teach their kids about everyday childhood conflicts and how to work through them properly. Putting your child in time-out and not discussing the issue doesn't help to reinforce that what they did wasn't right. Your child may not even know what exactly they did that was grounds for their time-out. It's your job to let them know.

Above all, to make your time-out punishment work effectively, you have to be consistent with every step. The second the rule is broken take them to the time-out spot. If you only use time-out on a whim the time-out will have no effect and chances are you are going to be fighting the entire time-out. Letting your children know what to expect is the first step to changing behavior and making punishments effective every time.