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 | The Time Out SpotBitsnstuff are proud to bring you another first - Time Out Spots - Brand New To The UK and Exclusive To Bitsnstuff. Finally, a solution for successful Time Outs! The most important aspect of Time Out is consistency. The Time Out Spot allows you to be consistent and provides children with a visual reminder to make good choices. Created by a former teacher, turned mum, Time Out Spots are the perfect place for when the going gets rough. The circular mats are 27 inches in diameter and made of 100% plush acrylic. Time Out Spots are machine washable with a non-skid back. Available in blue or pink and gift wrapped. |
 | How to Use Time Out EffectivelyThe Time Out Spot should be easily accessible, and in such a location that the child can be easily monitored while in time out. You want it away from areas of play and distractions such as the television and toys. Depending on the child, time out is recommended for ages 18 months to 2 years and up. Having a Time Out Spot on the floor helps to provide a constant reminder to make good choices. Each child should have their own Time Out Spot, as they are often in trouble at the same time. |
 | Amount of Time Spent in Time OutGenerally, it is considered more effective to have short periods of time out. One minute per each year of age tends to be a sufficient amount. For example, a 2 year old child will receive 2 minutes of time out. Set a kitchen timer with a beeper and place it where it is visible, but not reachable so that the child can see the minutes counting down as well as hear the beeper when the time out is over. |
Tips for Time Out- Do not give endless warnings and empty threats. - Do not shout. - When told, your child should go immediately to the Time Out Spot, if not, lead by the hand or carry. When you are putting your child in time out, briefly explain what he/she has done so that the behaviour can be connected with the time out. A simple phrasse such as "No hitting" is enough. Do not lecture. - Do not negotiate with a child in time out. - Monitor for safety, but completely ignore the child, even if shouting, banging, or apologizing occurs. - If resistance continues, reset the timer. - When time out is over, make sure you are in control of the end. After the beeper has sounded, tell your child they may get up. Create a fresh start by offering a new activity. Don't discuss the unwanted behaviour, just move on. - Depending on the age and infraction, you may way to have your child apologize using an "I Statement". Example: If a sibling was involved, "I am sorry I took that toy from you." |
Dealing with Refusal or ResistanceYou May have to experiment to determine which one will work for your child. - Tell younger children that you will count to three and if they are not in time out when you get to three the time out will be doubled. - Very difficult children, such as those with ADHD, ADD, or other types of behaviour issues, may need to be placed on a short reward program. This could include a chart with 20-30 squares. Each time a child does a time out, the child gets a star or sticker on the chart. When the chart is full they can earn a special treat for learning how to do time out. - Use response cost. Select an activity or object you can take away. Tell the child that until they do the time out, they will not be able to use the object or engage in the activity. for instance, you can remove the cord from the TV and tell them that they may not watch TV or play a video game until they do the time out. |
The Older ChildFor older children (ages 4 and up) it is often effective to put a favourite toy, game, or other significant item on the Time Out Spot and set the timer to the desired amount of time. The child is not to touch the item until the timer has gone off and the parent has given permission for it to be retrieved. |
Advantages of Time Out- Less aversive than other procedures, such as physical punishment. - Eliminates a lot of yelling and screaming on the part of the parents. - Increases the probability that parents are going to be consistent about what is going to be punished, when and how. - The child learns to accept his own responsibility for undesirable behaviour. The parents are not punishing the child; rather the child is punishing himself. The child should be repeatedly told that the parents did not put him or her in time out, but that the child put himself in time out. - The child more readily learns to discriminate which behaviours are acceptable and which are unacceptable. - The child begins to learn more self control. - By keeping a written record of time outs parents can see if the procedure is reducing the targetted behaviour. Also, reward can be tied to only receiving a certain amount of time outs in a day or a smaller time period. |
