Q: Do time outs really work? 

A: Well, yes and no! Time out simply defined is removing the child from a more reinforcing situation. It isolates the child so that they can calm down and will then be allowed back into a situation ready for more pleasant interactions. Interestingly enough, it was developed for a 2 year old and originally was intended for younger children rather than older kids. There are many variables to consider, and there are MANY different view points about this form of discipline. One thing is for certain, time outs have been around for a long time (standing in the corner) and will continue to be an option for some in varying forms (the naughty spot) for some time to come. 

THE BASICS:
  • Time out is usually not recommended for children under 2 years of age. 
  • Time outs can also be a good way for adults to have a minute to relax and get rid of excess emotions like anger and frustration before dealing with inappropriate behaviors. 
  • It will work best when the child is given a warning before being removed to a safe quiet space where they can calm down. 
  • Many believe it works best when there is a specific place- a “naughty chair” or the like for families to use. 
  • The general rule of thumb is that the time out should last one minute for every year of age of the child.
  • In its simplest form, time out simple is operant conditioning. Removing the child from the unwanted behavior every time it happens will eventually lessen the behavior. 
  • There are many studies that indicate that time out is not effective in changing behaviors and may actually do damage as it can discourage and humiliate children. 
WHAT CAN WE DO:
  • If you are going to use time out, decide where you stand on the issue and have a clearly defined set of procedures.
  • Make sure you are consistent in your usage of time out. If a child receives a time out some days for a behavior and not others it will be totally ineffective. 
  • Be short and concise and specific when describing the behavior that is inappropriate. 
  • Give a warning and try to redirect child but do not threaten. 
  • Time outs must be immediate. If you can not carry it out right away, use another method of redirection. 
  • Asking a child to come out of time out when they can behave is not using time out correctly. This is asking a child to change his or her behavior instead of just stopping the bad behavior. In it’s purest form time outs are intended to stop the child from the disruptive behavior, and “restart” them in a new way.
  • Read up on time out from many sources and choose what you feel will work for you and the child you are working with. 

FOR MORE INFO:
    ChildDevelopmentInfo.com
    Cyberparent.com
    This PDF from the state of KY is intended for educators but is very clear 
    This article has some alternative ways to think of time out
   Positive Discipline.com

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