Step 1.
The first warning
This warning stage is critical to the success of the time-out technique, as it gives your child the opportunity to correct inappropriate behaviour.
Come down to the eye level of your child, and say in a firm but calm voice “Your behaviour is unacceptable. We do not swear and hit people in this house. Please do not do it again”.
Step 2.
The final warning
For a repeat of the behaviour, give a specific warning, like: “I told you not to do that. We don’t do that in our house. If you do that again you will go on the Time Out Pad".
Step 3.
The time-out
If the behaviour is repeated, use the Time Out Pad™. Tell the child how long they have to sit quietly (experts recommend roughly one minute per year of age) and the reason why you have placed them there. For example: “We don’t hit people in our house. It’s unacceptable behaviour as people can get hurt. You are going to sit here for 3 minutes. When you see the green light and hear the tune, I will come and get you and you can say sorry". Then move away from the child, keeping them in earshot.
Step 4.
The apology
If you pop your head around the corner to check on your child and you see the Amber light, you will know you have less than one minute to go, which gives you time to prepare for the apology stage.
Once you hear the Finish Tune and the light is green, come down to eye level with your child, ask them for an apology and give them a big hug!
Step 5.
Praise and move on
Once the apology has been made and you have had a hug, then it’s time to move on and say 'well done for finishing your time-out.'
It can be a good idea to invite your child back to the activity they were doing before the time-out and at the first opportunity, give them plenty of praise and encouragement. This helps reinforce the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ behaviour.
The first warning
This warning stage is critical to the success of the time-out technique, as it gives your child the opportunity to correct inappropriate behaviour.
Come down to the eye level of your child, and say in a firm but calm voice “Your behaviour is unacceptable. We do not swear and hit people in this house. Please do not do it again”.
Step 2.
The final warning
For a repeat of the behaviour, give a specific warning, like: “I told you not to do that. We don’t do that in our house. If you do that again you will go on the Time Out Pad".
Step 3.
The time-out
If the behaviour is repeated, use the Time Out Pad™. Tell the child how long they have to sit quietly (experts recommend roughly one minute per year of age) and the reason why you have placed them there. For example: “We don’t hit people in our house. It’s unacceptable behaviour as people can get hurt. You are going to sit here for 3 minutes. When you see the green light and hear the tune, I will come and get you and you can say sorry". Then move away from the child, keeping them in earshot.
Step 4.
The apology
If you pop your head around the corner to check on your child and you see the Amber light, you will know you have less than one minute to go, which gives you time to prepare for the apology stage.
Once you hear the Finish Tune and the light is green, come down to eye level with your child, ask them for an apology and give them a big hug!
Step 5.
Praise and move on
Once the apology has been made and you have had a hug, then it’s time to move on and say 'well done for finishing your time-out.'
It can be a good idea to invite your child back to the activity they were doing before the time-out and at the first opportunity, give them plenty of praise and encouragement. This helps reinforce the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ behaviour.
