Photo by Wix.com
Were you ever placed on time-out before by your parents or teachers? Time-out refers to an instance where a child is removed from a setting that resulted in a misbehavior. It is typically given as a consequence to help a child alter their display of unproductive behaviors.
Not all unproductive behavior equates to the consequence of time-out though. Time-out should never be used as the main strategy in curbing behaviors as time-out only teaches children what not to do. Rather, it should be used as part of a multi-faceted strategy that utilizes the hybrid nature of positive and negative reinforcement that teaches children what they should do. In fact, time-out should only be used as a last resort.
So, when should time-out be executed? According to the CDC, there are four instances that time-out may be appropriate: 1. Your child does something dangerous.
2. Your child does something harmful, like hurting another child.
3. Your child breaks a family rule.
4. Your child does not follow your direction after a warning.
Seems like a pretty easy set of guidelines, right?
Well, even with those guidelines, when time-outs are executed ineffectively, they may actually cause harm. Ineffective time-outs are instances where children are isolated from their initial setting or from anyone for a prolonged period of time. Indeed, research did found that such isolation can result in cognitive activities that are similar to the triggers of a person feeling physical pain. What’s more, incorrect execution of time-out can cause children to struggle in regulating their emotions, preventing them from gaining support when they are in distress, and even re-traumatise abused children.
Hence the importance in executing an effective time-out. To execute an effective time-out, here are some guidelines to follow:
Provide adequate warnings.
Photo by Wix.com
Never ever jump immediately to the consequence of time-out without the child’s knowledge. Such can cause an increase risk of emotional dysregulation and distress as the child will not be aware what they are being punished for, why are they being punished, and when did they display an unproductive behavior. Hence - set clear warnings, boundaries, and expectations with your child.
Furthermore, when executing a time-out, always remember to tell the child what they did [for example “You were hitting xx. That is not allowed as we have talked about.”] so they know what they did wrong. Make this notice to them that they did something wrong quick. This will not only allow them to know they did something wrong, this will also send out a reinforcement message to not re-enact this behaviour again.
Choose a safe location and keep the time-out short.
Photo by Wix.com
When executing a time-out, ensure that the child is able to see other children partaking in the activity and within your sights. This ensure that you are able to keep an eye on your child during time-out to ensure not only they remain in time-out, but they do not do anything further to endanger themselves or others. Remember, do not communicate with any child under time-out unless absolute necessary. Additionally, by allowing the child in time-out to see other children partaking in the activity, it will provide them an opportunity to observe positive, productive behaviours that they should be enacting in the first place.
Keep the time-out short. A strategy that I like to do is to equate the timing of the child’s age into the minutes that they will spend in time-out [3 years old = 3 minutes]. Never ever keep a child in time-out for too long.
Debrief after time-out
Photo by Wix.com
Once time-out is over, re-direct the child back to the activity that they were partaking in. Such will send a signal to the child that going to time-out is not a mean of escaping whatever task that they were doing prior to time-out. During this juncture, remind them that their initial behaviour was not acceptable and teach them the appropriate behaviour that they can display instead.
As they are partaking back in the activity, utilize reinforcement strategies. That is, catching them displaying the appropriate behaviour that you have taught them and specifically praise them for a positive, productive behaviour. This will help remind your child that even though they had to enter time-out, they are still capable of displaying positive behaviours - which will eventually motivate them further to display positive behaviours in the future!
Like what you just read? Do remember to share this article with your friends! If you have any other strategies to share in executing effective time-outs, do share it in the comments below!