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There are so many ways to install discipline in your child. Choosing the right way can make all the difference. It is a fact of life that children misbehave at times. Some more than others. Using the Time Out method of discipline can be very effective if used consistently and correctly.
Time outs work well for a number of reasons. They are very portable. Say, you are in the park and you catch your child hitting another child. You can immediatly discipline the child by sitting him or her down on a bench. Time outs are wonderful if your child has misbehaved and you are not sure of the appropriate discipline. This time alone gives children a chance to calm themselves, hence installing a sense of control in them, as well as giving the adult a chance to think the behavior over and avoiding a possible overreaction.
Time Outs generally work best on children ages 3 and older. At any age younger than 3, a child hasn't the knowledge to understand what is happening and what they can learn from it. It is adviced to have the child sit for the amount of minutes that coinside with his or her age. If the child is 4, then 4 minutes is an appropriate time. If your child has calmed down and recognizes that what she did was inappropriate, then you should go ahead and let the child out of the time out. This supports the self control issue.
Have a place set specifically for Time Out periods. This place should be a quiet corner away from any distractions. Bedrooms generally don't work well as the child will most likely end up playing with toys. Be sure to use Time Out immediatly following the undesireable behavior. Use a kitchen timer as well, to keep track of the time.
Use this type of discipline sparingly. Use on the behaviors that truly deserve this type of discipline. Biting and hitting are definitly behaviors not to be ignored. If you use time out too much, it will not be as effective. And, last but not least be sure to have a back up plan. If the child resists a Time Out, give other options. A good plan might be going to bed early instead of a Time Out. This gives some children, especially older ones, more control over their behavior and the consequenses that go along with it.
Remember to stay calm and in contol. Your child looks up to you. If you are out of control, your child will be, too.
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