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Written on October 30, 2006 by Nicole

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Tired of Time-Out? Try These 3 Tricks. (Tip of the Week)

Time-out just not working for your children anymore? The November issue of Parents gives these three suggestions as alternatives to time-out:

  • Put Toys in Time-Out: Rather than putting your child in time-out for misbehaving, take away a favorite toy for a set amount of time. Be sure to keep the toy within your child’s view, so they can be reminded of the punishment.
  • Have a Chat: Instead of telling your child what they did wrong and why you are mad, ask them questions so they can figure it out themselves. For example ask, “How do you think it makes mommy feel when you act like that?”
  • Make a Chart: Start each day with (for example) three smiley faces and have the child erase a face for misbehaving. Reward/punish at the end of the day based on the number of smiley faces left.

These are all ideas that you could make work depending on the age of your child and the specific misbehavior that occurs. Praising good behavior is also a key element of discipline. Make sure you “catch” your children being good sometimes too!

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