TIMEOUT technique

My most effective technique is the ‘TIMEOUT’.

Timeout refers to a time in which they need to sit in a spot for a certain amount of time to calm down and to think about why they ended up there.

It starts with giving them 2 warnings. You warn them that they will get a time out if they don’t stop.

Make sure they look into your eyes and they get the message. They must understand that there will be consequences if they keep on not listening, and will end up in the naughty corner/time out mat/etc.

When the 2 warning don’t work, you put them in the timeout spot. You get down to their level and you say, “This is your timeout. You’re here because you did (tell them the reason) and because you didn’t listen. This behaviour is not acceptable and you made me really sad. Now you have x minutes (3min for a 3 year old, 4min for a 4 year old, and so on) to think about your behaviour and I will be back to release you. Until then, you have to stay here! And if you start messing around we have to start your timeout over again, and you will be missing out on more of your play time”.

When the timeout is over, you bend down again and say, “This was your time out. You had to be her because... (or you can ask them why they got the timeout). I hope you thought about your behaviour and you won’t do it again. Now please say sorry”. And never forget the kiss and cuddle after that!

It is very important to make them feel, and realise what they did wrong.

Make sure that you stick to your rules. If you can keep it up, it will really work in the long term.