Toddler Time Outs
by Kelly Korbonski

Description: Tips for disciplining your toddler by using the "time out" technique.

Toddler Time Outs. I can remember vividly the day I brought my precious baby home from the hospital. I remember the moments of her gazing into my eyes, giving me kisses, and cuddling. I felt like those moments were going to last forever. And they have, but now squeezed in between those moments is a new personality that popped out of nowhere pushing the limits whenever she gets the chance. This is when I had to discover the word “time out”. I learned the word, but executing it was another challenge. How do I execute a time out? Where do I put her in a time out in public? Through trial and error, I have discovered some key tips that have really helped.

Quiet Time

One key trick I’ve learned is to know when my daughter is becoming overwhelmed. When I notice my daughter is getting worked up, I change the activity to something more calming. Such as going to her room to read, either together or by herself. I tell her that it is time for Quiet Time. Since using Quiet Time, I notice the number of “melt downs” have decreased.

Time-Out

My husband and I decided what types of behavior would warrant a Time Out. My daughter receives a warning such as “If you continue to… You are getting a Time Out.” If the behavior continues, I place her on a Time Out Mat. The Time Out is timed using a timer. It is recommended by most pediatricians that a child receives one minute for each year of life. For example, a three year old child receives a three minute time out. Once the Time Out is over, I repeat to her why she was placed in the Time Out and that is it unacceptable behavior. What I personally like about Time Out as a disciplining method is once it’s over she’s calm and playing again.

Consistency

The best advice I give to my friends, who are going down the disciplining road, is consistency. I found that when I was not consistent with following through, placement, and selective behaviors my daughter was testing my sincerity. I find it is important to place my daughter in the same place every time. She associates the Time Out Mat with being disciplined. Also, once I have given the “warning”, if the behavior continues she does not get another warning. She is immediately placed in Time Out.

In Conclusion

I was surprised that I had to learn how to effectively discipline my child. In theory, it seemed like it should be easy. But when I had to start disciplining, I found it confusing and unsettling. I had to learn what worked best for me and my daughter. The best piece of advice I received was from a nurse who said “Just remember, they’re not bad they are learning.”

Reprinted with permission by Kelly Korbonski, Atea Kids, Inc. http://www.ateakids.com

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