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Time-out means that you remove your child from a stressful situation for a short period of time. It works best when your child is old enough to understand. This usually begins around 3 years of age.
Time-out is not a punishment. It is an opportunity for the child to calm down or regain control of their behaviour. It works best when children understand why it is being used.
Time-out works best when your child is doing something your child knows is not acceptable and won't stop, such as hitting or biting.
Time-out is not effective if it is used too often or if it is used for behaviours that are not within a child's control. For example, time-out is not appropriate for a child who accidentally wets their clothes instead of using the toilet.
Before you start a time-out:
To give a time-out, follow these steps:
While your child is in time-out:
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: John Pope MD - PediatricsKathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineLouis Pellegrino MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Louis Pellegrino MD - Developmental Pediatrics
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