Home and Family: Time-out Spot

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

Many children today have bedrooms that look like toy stores, electronics shops, or a combination of the two. Even small children often have TVs, DVDs, CD players, video games, and toys galore. Their rooms are jam packed with fun things to do. If your child's room is similar, then sending him or her to the room as a disciplinary measure probably isn't going to do much good.

Many parents today use time-outs as a form of discipline, but this method will work much better if you create a time-out spot that is a little less like a theme park than the child's bedroom.

A chair set in the middle of the hallway, or a floor pillow in the dining room may be better suited to a time-out spot that will actually give a child a chance to think about what he or she has done - or hasn't done but was supposed to do. The time-out spot should be reasonably comfortable, but not so comfortable that it doesn't make the point that the behavior that brought the child there is unacceptable.

It's a good idea to choose a spot that is visible for two reasons. First of all, your child shouldn't feel completely cut off from the family, as if he or she has been banished, and secondly, because it is best to keep an eye on your child while in the time-out spot. Instead of using the time to think about their wrongful actions, some kids will do whatever it takes to avoid doing so, including things like pulling open a scab or chipping paint off the wall.

In addition, the time-out chair or cushion should be portable, so that it can be put away when not in use. It is embarrassing for a child to explain, "Oh, that? It's my time-out chair." Using something portable gives you the option of putting it away when it's not needed and especially when your child has guests visiting.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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