There comes a time and a place where you’ll need to put your child in time out. Knowing what to do and how to do it will in the long run save you time, and energy. Now, nobody says that putting your child in time out is quick, simple, or easy for that matter; because it can be repetitive, time consuming, and exhausting for a parent. One thing that you need to remember is to stick with it, and don’t ever give in. Following these steps of how to put a child in time out will help you discipline your child.
Step 1: Give your child a warning. Before you ever put a child in time out, they need to get a warning. This warning should state what they are doing wrong and that if they continue to do it then they’ll be put in time out.
Step 2: Take your child to a secluded area for time out. Make sure there aren’t any distractions around, and you’ll want to make sure that you put your child in the same time out place.
Step 3: Get on eye level with your child and tell your child what they did wrong, and that they are now going to stay in time out for “x” amount of time. Normally you put your child in time for the number of years old they are. So if you child is three years old, then they’ll be in time out for three minutes.
Step 4: Start a timer for the “x” amount of time. If you child gets out of the time out area, then you need to get your child and put him or her back in time out. No matter how many times you child gets out of time always put them back. Otherwise they’ll learn that if they keep doing something, they can eventually get what they want. Keep in mind that each time you place your child back in time out you need to start the timer over again.
Step 5: Tell your child what they did wrong. Once your child sat in the time out area for the designated amount of time you need to repeat what they did wrong. Be sure to give you child a different scenario case. As an example, “Instead of yelling to get mommy’s attention, next time please come over to me and ask me nicely what you want.” This way it gives you child an alternative that reinforces good behavior.
Step 6: Tell your child you love them, and give them a hug. As parents you’ll want to reinforce them with positive behavior afterwards. Telling them that you love them, and giving them a hug shows them that they made a mistake but that they are forgiven. Afterwards they should be free to go back to playing, or doing the activity that they were doing prior to.
Image: mdanys
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