Time outs? How long you you do them?

[CRAZY_CAT_WOMAN]

Time outs? How long you you do them?

 

[akmom]

One minute for three-year-olds and under. Five to ten minutes if they're older.

I use them to redirect, more than punish. I find that's sufficient to take them out of the conflict/frustration/misbehavior and get them thinking about something else. (My kids are 2, 4, 7 right now.)

 

[ALEA40]

One minute for every year of age. Works great for my two boys. Takes a little more effort in the beginning but works like a charm for my guys.

 

[CRAZY_CAT_WOMAN]

Thanks.

 

[ALEA40]

I should mention that while they were very young they were allowed to have their favorite blanket or stuffed animal if they needed it. They mostly needed the time out to compose themselves/redirect their thinking and it was comforting for them to have a favorite snuggly item.

 

[akmom]

The minute-for-age idea is a good one.

 

[GMullins]

We also do one minute per year of age. We have taken 4 of the superyard panels and make a "penalty box" of sorts that we put her in. It really is more for redirection from fits and what have you than punishment. Seems to be working great as well as the countdown to her time outs have more merit now.

 

[Krystina661]

I agree with akmom. The minute for age is a good general rule for time outs. And I have always started them once a child turns 3 years old. Any younger you just have to reinforce and teach them good behavior. I've worked in a daycare for many years and have 2 children myself. And typically, I will have give the child a warning and try to teach them what they have done wrong before even giving a time out.

 

[Inkachu]

I agree with the "one minute per age" rule, until they're maybe 10 and older, then they can handle an afternoon or evening in their room (sans electronics and gadgets). For serious offenses, we do complete groundings (you're in your room unless you're at school or using the bathroom), but those should be rare!