The goal of a Time Out is to help the child gain self-control and change their behavior. It should not be used as a punishment. Children are learning self-control and it takes practice. Time Out is a time to settle down and regain composure. It should be a quiet, relaxed, neutral break to allow children to regain self-control. Time Out should last only as long as it takes for children to regain self-control and change their behavior. Keep it brief (a rule of thumb is that it not last longer than one minute per year of a child’s life up to five minutes).Time Out should take place in a soft, cozy place like an easy chair with pillows. Time Out is NOT appropriate for infants or toddlers. It is appropriate only after children have some sense of how to help themselves (usually around 36 months).
Having a child sit down for a while is NOT a substitute for problem-solving.
It is essential that you return to children after they have regained self-control and discuss the problem. Help children figure out what they can do differently next time.
Stay flexible. Do not get into a power struggle or try to get a child to listen to what YOU have to say. If the child appears unwilling to discuss the problem, accept that. If the child has regained self-control, let him/her re-enter the group. Later in the day, make sure you get back to the child to problem solve the situation.
Related training:
A Basic Approach to Guidance Techniques
Conflict Resolution - 1 hour
A Basic Approach to Understanding Misbehavior - 2 hours
Understanding and Coping with Behavioral Problems - 3 hours
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