

After the child has finished picking up her toys, the parent says, “Thanks for listening and putting your toys away.” Please put your toys away.” (Parent pauses for a few seconds and child continues to play.) The parent says to her daughter, “If you don’t put away your toys, you will have to go to time-out.” (This is the time-out warning.) The parent pauses for a few more seconds to allow the child time to follow directions. See the example below when a parent decides to use a time-out warning.Įxample 1: “It’s almost time for dinner. State this warning in a neutral tone and follow through with the time-out every time if your child does not do as you directed. The time-out warning should be stated clearly, simply, and as a statement (not as a question). When your child doesn’t follow your directions give a time-out warning. If you don’t use a chair, you can use a blanket, cloth napkin, small mat, or designated space on the floor.Avoid chairs that rock, chairs that are very soft, or chairs with pictures and graphics. Use a sturdy adult-sized chair, like a wooden kitchen chair.If the bedroom is used, remove all of the things your child might enjoy. The bedroom may work for time-out if you cannot get your child to stay in the time-out space. The end of a hallway is usually away from people and things your child likes. Away from toys, people, windows, TVs, radios, and anything else your child likes.Your child does not follow your direction and you have given a warning.


Explain time-out to your child before using it.The Time-Out Chair and Other Alternatives.What is Time-Out? When should it be used?.
