is it okay to start time out with your 15mo ole if so how?

Crystal - posted on 08/18/2009

I also use redirection to get her mind occupied on something else, and this works for my child.

However, if time-outs work for you then great!

One thing I remember learning at college (education degree): Time outs should be as many minutes as the child's age, such as one minute for one year, and so on.

Elaine - posted on 08/18/2009

yeah I agree fully with Desiree. Thats exactly what I do with my little one and I have never had to struggle to much or had her put up a big fuss, I think a little older is fitting for time out, but at this age(15,16,17months) they are still learning and testing whats what in the world. It always workes to say no and if she does it again, remove her from the situation. I only had to do that a few times before she understood not to touch or do some things.

Nicole - posted on 08/18/2009

Well as a mom of three my oldest being 11 and middle 6 my son now 16mos I've gone through a whole bunch of stages so far and between the ages of 1 &2 can be real hard beacuse they are learning and don't really have a clue..lol my 16 month old is a crazy little monkey that touches and gets into everything not to mention climbs everything as well, I just tell him a firm NO when he touches something I don't want him to and then either move him or the object, if he keeps going back to that same spot it is most likely time to redirect and show him something different, I found out that my little one loves to play with wodden spoons and tupperware, it doesn't make a big mess and is easy to clean up! try it out... I do believe that starting time outs at age 2 is very important though just some advice:) oh and normally at age 2 when you do have to give time outs usually you have to hold them there in the chair too so they get the point, trust me it will be every interesting... Just remember mom, they are only little for so long so enjoy the good, crazy and bad times( trust me that can be hard to do).

Jill - posted on 08/17/2009

In all of my ealry childrhood educational experience I find that it is not okay to use timeout. I find it better to show her what she is allowed to do. Instead of giving her timeout for touching outlets, tell her "no" and get her engaged in toys to get her mind engaged in something else. Good Luck

Cindi - posted on 08/16/2009

Yes you can start them early! Best book EVER, Happiest Toddler On The Block. Dr. Karp explains how and why you need to introduce time outs. They are used to calm toddlers down, not as punishments!!! Funny book too. I actually chuckled out loud more than a few times! Just remember when they touch things over and over, it's because their little brains are very "impulsive, not because they want to make you mad. :)

Jennifer - posted on 08/14/2009

Starting time out was the best thing i ever did! My 15 month old knows what he can and can not touch... if he does something wrong i tell him it's time out time and sit him on the floor with no toys. After 2 minutes i ask if he wants to get up then talk about what he did. I really worked for me because he loves to test the limits!

Desiree - posted on 08/14/2009

My son is almost 16 months old (also born early) and we don't use what I would call "time out," but it's more like a redirection. When he behaves in an unacceptable way, we remove him from the situation. Like if I tell him not to touch dishes in the dishwasher, I get him to help me close it so he can't touch it and he feels like he's helping. Now, if he's throwing a fit because he wants to go outside and it's hot, raining, or whatever, then we just let him sit on the kitchen floor and cry for a bit until he gets over it. We say our piece and he has to learn to live with that. My pediatrician said that we can start time-outs around 18 months when he'll better understand consequences. Right now it's expected for them to push our buttons, though, because they're trying to figure out just how much independence they have! It's annoying sometimes!

Jackie - posted on 08/12/2009

if she's old enough to understand no and still does it. (my son likes to laugh at me as he touches things he knows he's not supposed to) they definitely put her in time out. My oldest was a year when I started putting him in time out. As soon as my boys understood what I was saying and knew when they weren't listening and could sit by themselves, they went into time out. I actually have a little chair that says time out on it, that I bought specifically for them and they know to sit in that chair when I say time out. Sometimes I have to keep putting them in it when they're being brats, but for the most part they will go there by themselves and wait for me to tell them it's ok for them to get up.
Better to start now and get them in the habit of it then to wait until later and have a fight on your hands all the time.

Kristin - posted on 08/12/2009

I think it's the age, my 18 month old does it also. I just keep telling him No and if he throws a fit i take him to his room and put him on the floor and walk out. He usually finishes his fit then comes out happy. It also helps to just remove him from the temptation and is a good introductions to time out which i think i'll wait a little while on.