How to Make Toddler Time Outs Work

By eHow Parenting Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Take time outs together at first. To teach your toddler how to take a time out, sit with him the first few times to show him what is expected.
Step 2:
Designate a time out space in each room and outside. Use this space all the time so your toddler recognizes the purpose of the designated area(s).
Step 3:
Keep the length of the time out proportionate to your child's age. Experts recommend 1 minute per year, so if your child is 2 years old, give 2 minutes in time out.
Step 4:
Give your child a chance to correct the unacceptable behavior before putting him in time out. A toddler, or any child, must get a warning with specific instructions.
Step 5:
Help your toddler calm down and pass the time out by reciting her "ABCs" or sing a song while she sits.
Step 6:
Request an apology before allowing a toddler to leave the time out area. Young children understand the word "sorry" just as much as older kids.
Step 7:
Let the infraction out go when time out is done. A time out is not a punishment, instead it is time for your child to cool down and get rid of the frustration that was causing the negative behavior.

Tips & Warnings

Don't dwell on the behavior or the time out when its done.
Overused time outs turn into a game for toddlers. Pick and choose the best opportunities for them, and handle the minor negative behaviors without time outs.
Use time out for a child that's at least 2 years old, possibly older depending on the development stage, to fully understand what a time out is and have the attention span to sit through it.

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