Does My Precious Baby Need Time-Out?

Children like attention from their parents. However, attention can be both positive and negative. Positive attention is used to show your child they have done something you like. Positive attention includes things like praise, hugs, and high-fives. Negative attention lets your child know you do not like what they have done. Negative attention includes things like scolding, correcting, and yelling.

You can improve your child’s behavior by how you give attention. If you give your child any attention after a behavior, that behavior is more likely to happen again. Time-out works because it takes away all of your attention and other things your child likes when they misbehave.

Many parents and medical experts recommend using Time-Out as an effective way to discipline your child.

If you’re not familiar with the proper techniques of using Time-Out, here are some great tips provided by the CDC’s “Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers” program.

1. Explain time-out to your child before using it. Tell your child which behaviors will lead to time-out, where time-outs will happen, and how time-out will be used. You can also practice time-out with your child so she knows how it will work.

2. Limit time-outs with toddlers and preschoolers. Use time-out if your child does something dangerous or harmful like hurting others, fails to follow a direction, or breaks a family rule. Use other types of consequences for other problem behaviors. Time-outs last between 2 and 5 minutes for toddlers and preschoolers.

3. Select a time-out location where your child cannot get attention from anyone. The location should be away from TV, games, toys, or other things your child likes.

4. Time-out can be used anywhere. You can even use it away from home. You can use a time-out blanket as a time-out location when you’re in public.

If you’re having trouble implementing this strategy effectively, contact your child's pediatrician or healthcare provider. They will be happy to direct you.