The “How-Tos” of Time Out

1.      Give 1 verbal warning.

2.      Repeat warning. (No warnings for hurting someone else.) Processing time!

3.      Calmly assist child to time out saying nothing more than, “I am putting you in time out because threw blocks. I want you to sit here for a few moments and think about that.”

4.      Do not engage in argument. Say nothing else except to repeat what you just said.  "The but…but…but….s"

5.      If child does not sit, stay with him/her. Remind the child that time out does not start until they are calm and quiet (and that you have all day if necessary!). It may take waiting out the first few times. Have a plan in place ahead of time so you can carry through with this. Consistency is everything. Once child is calm and quiet tell them you will be back in a few minutes  If child says they are ready, tell them you will determine when they are ready.  Do not let child make this decision as it puts power back into his/her hands.

6.      Return to child (can be as soon as 30 seconds if child is calm) and ask them why they were in time out. If child cannot say it (and you know s/he knows) tell them you will give them a couple of more minutes to think about it. If child cannot verbalize, give them the words to say and have them repeat it.

7.      Keep a log. That’s YOUR watchdog.  Is a particular child in time-out too often? Did you forget and leave a child in time-out for too long? Is time-out effective? Does it fit the behavior? Is one adult using it more than others are?  Or more on a particular child than others? Is it routinely happening at a particular time of day? Review it often!

Time Out Log

            Name of Child                       Behavior         Adult Using Time Out            Date    Time

  2002 Pediatric Behavioral Health Resources, LLC