How To Use Time-Out On Your Children

On of the most effective methods of discipline children is to use "time-out" technique. "Time-out" basically removes your misbehaving child from the action for a little solitary quiet time. This method works best especially for pre-schoolers from 3 - 5 years of age.

First of all, we as parent must be consistent. Consistency is the key factor that determines the success of using the "time-out" method. Don't call a "time-out" today and then skip it tomorrow for the same behaviour just becasue you are in a better mood. It is also advisable to follow through on a warning if your child doesn't heed you.

"Time-outs" must be given on-the-spot itself. Don't ever wait 10 minutes or 5 minutes or until it is more convenient to execute the "time-out". Even if you are out in public, give the "time-out" right where you are. Even if you are at the shopping mall, give the "time-out" on-the-spot immediately if the child misbehave to an un-acceptable point. Don't wait till you get home or when you go to the car. As soon as the "time-out" is disconneted from the current behaviour, then it becomes a threat and then a punishment, and doesn't teach your child much anymore. The main purpose of using the "time-out" immediately is to help the child ( and you ) to cool off and regain self-control again.

Then again, sometimes your child won't stay put when you call the "time-out". This happens common as most pre-schoolers won't sit still for a few minutes. If your child refuses to go to his spot and stay ther for "time-outs", then the child would need the parent's help to walk the child to the chosen spot and calmly sit the child down. if the child were to get-up again and again, then the parent is advisable to sit together with the child during the "time-out" period. And, always bare in mind that during the "time-out", do not consistently scold or lecture or show your anger to the child as it is always proven that the neutral attitude works best.

Do also keep in mind that there may be some cases where the child may cry or yell through the whole "time-out" process. It may be upsetting for parents to listen to the child crying or yelling, but the dramatic show of tears does not mean that the time-out isn't working. Angry protest are hard for kids this age to stifle. Most important of all is that we as parents must not be sucked-in to the child's crying and yelling.

It always helps to begin a "time-out" before your child reaches the point of no return. "Time-out" is a positive discipline method used widely by parents these days.