Ben, age 5, and Megan, age 3, are playing together in the playroom. Megan decides to feed the goldfish. She carefully pushes a chair in front of the fish tank and is about to sprinkle the food into the tank when Ben discovers her mission. He throws down his book, runs toward Megan, and pushes her off the chair, yelling, "No! I want to feed the fish!" The mom, whose attention is captured by Ben's yelling, sees Megan being pushed off the chair. Her immediate response is, "Time Out!"
But, what happens when time out doesn't work?
The purpose of discipline is to guide children toward acceptable and appropriate behavior, so they can learn to control their own actions in order to become independent and self controlled. The lack of discipline in a child's life during the early years often promotes insecurity, dependence, and uncontrolled behavior. Parents have a responsibility to gradually help children gain control of their own bodies and actions. Using time out is one way we can help children in this process.
Why is time out a good thing? For one thing, it helps a child gain control. Young children are learning to express their emotions with words instead of their bodies. Therefore, when they become excited, anxious, angry, or fearful, it is difficult for them to control themselves.
Time out also underscores the relationship between behavior and consequences. Discipline is about guiding children into acceptable and desirable behavior. Time outs give them an opportunity to make the connection between the behavior and the negative consequence.
Finally, time out is not just for kids; it can also be a saving grace for parents. Time outs allow the parent to relax, calm down, and think rationally. Ideally, a parent should not discipline when they are frustrated and angry. But much like a child, adults often struggle to control their emotions. A break in the interaction gives the parent an opportunity to gain control and handle the situation wisely.
Here are some tips on the best ways to use time out:
As with any method, time out loses its effectiveness when it is overused. Use it carefully and thoughtfully.
Other instances that weaken the impact of time out include:
By now you've hopefully got a pretty good idea of how and when to use time out as an effective way of changing behavior. But sometimes, situations arise that may not be easy to handle.
For instance, what if the child refuses to go to the time out area? Physically take him. This can be done in a controlled, yet firm manner. Calmly explain to the child where he is going and why. If it is presented as an option, the child will probably opt to continue in his behavior and will quickly realize that he has control over the parent.
Once the child is brought to the time out area, he may not stay there. In these cases, the area you have selected may be too broad. For example, a chair is better than a sofa; a corner is better than a room. Standing behind, but close to the child may help to discourage freedom to move about. You may also wish to restrain the child by holding him.
Another difficulty that may arise, particularly in sensitive children, is a need for extra affection and physical comforting. A sensitive child does not want to disappoint his parents, so he may immediately look to the parent for forgiveness and reassurance. Explain to the child that because you love him so much, you can't let him hurt himself and others. Continue with the effective time out routine and follow-up with lots of love.
Even if the child apologizes and begs you to not put him in time out, it is best not to change your mind. Accept and thank the child for the apology, then carry through with the consequence. Changing the consequence encourages manipulation.
Is the child trying to get your attention while in the time out area? Move further away so you are less distracted. When the time out period is over, give the child your full attention.
Some children may repeat the same behavior soon after the time out experience. In this case, ask the child if he remembers what happened the last time he behaved that way. If he doesn't remember, remind him, then follow through with the time out routine. Again, evaluate why the technique may not have been effective and then alter it accordingly. If the behavior continues, take a closer look at what may be causing the behavior.
It is important to remember that the behaviors we observe in children are the outward manifestations of their inner thoughts. Therefore, as a parent you should concern yourself with what is observable as well as what is not observable. What caused the behavior that resulted in need for time out? Sometimes, something as simple as changing the environment, being sure the child's needs are met, or communicating appropriate expectations can prevent the same behavior from happening again.
Ultimately, incorporating time out, as well as other positive discipline techniques, helps children build positive behaviors, allowing them to become independent and self-disciplined.
RESOURCES:
Parenting Education Resources
http://www.parenting.umn.edu/
Parenting.org
http://www.parenting.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Parenting Today
http://www.parentingtoday.ca/
References:
Time-out as a discipline technique. Center for Effective Parenting website. Available at: http://www.parenting-ed.org/handout3/Discipline%20and%20Intervention%20Strategies/time-out.htm. Published 1997. Accessed May 5, 2009.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Theodor B. Rais, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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