time outs?

Audrey - posted on 01/23/2010

see im glad that alot of you guys agree that its never to early to start time outs. I only do the timeouts like how you say bri when i catch him in the act and so forth and i also only do the one min per age thing. i was just getting alot of different opioions from family about when to start that i need more encouragement that i was doing what I thought was right. i dont want to be the mom who has a child out of control.

Bri - posted on 01/23/2010

I don't remember what age we started time-outs with our daughter (I think she was one because we've always used the 1 minute for each year rule and I'm pretty sure I remember giving just 1 minute). We did a) catch it (be it digging in the kitty litter or whatever) immediately b) address it immediately c) after the time out, kneel down and talk about what was wrong and then offer a suggestion of what she/we could do instead

Now, if we put her in timeout, at 3, and feeling like the "crime" was obvious and just dismiss her after the timer goes off, she reminds us "we need to talk about it".

Timeliness and consistency I think is the biggest things for success- for you and for the child... and both now and in the future.

We have friends who have a multi-generational household whose toddler is very wild and I really feel much of his "wildness/out-of-control" is simply because they lacked consistency.

Keturah - posted on 01/22/2010

I agree with Stacy. I started my daughter in time outs about the same age. At first I thought I was being crazy, but she had to learn that Mommy was in charge and I think it has made her a more respectful child. (she turns 3 in May)

Shannon - posted on 01/21/2010

I have a almost 2 year old and have been doing time outs for about 4-5 months now. Giving him warnings, getting down to his level and explaining what is going on has definately benefited his dicipline structure. He now knows that if he does something wrong and is warned with a time out that he is going to be stuck on the same old stool for as long as Mom thinks he should be there. For the most part, once the warning is over and done with, there is no need for the time out. However, when he feels like pushing it, I will tell him its time for a timeout and he will walk there willingly. Dramatic as ever when he sits down, but he won't move and he won't commit the crime again later. Worked like a charm for me ( for now anyways.....)

Audrey - posted on 01/21/2010

see thats how i fell Stacy i dont want to have to try and teach him later when its to late. and lisamarie i also get where u r coming from too. i understand that he is still learning and exploring but i want to make sure he has bounderys so he knows that no means no. when i mean everything i mean the kitty litter that he is getting to as well as other things that are dangerous for him. so i want to make it clear that he is not allowed to get into those things. but if he is just getting into my laundry or things like that to just mess around and explore i dont punish him for it. thanks for all the thoughts!

Lisamarie - posted on 01/21/2010

I, personally, think 2 is a better age to start that. A one year old does not know right from wrong, he's still a baby and trying to learn and exlpore different things, helping with his development. Your son may not even understand why he is being punished, he doesn't know why he musn't touch this or stick a fork in that. Protect your child, don't punish him. Hope that helps, and that is just my opinion I am not here to tell anyone how to raise their children. Good luck! :)

Stacy - posted on 01/20/2010

I don't think it is soon, as long as it works for you, it's fine. Teaching him now will save you alot of trouble later.