Supernanny Rules

Effective Time Outs

by kadi on June 20th, 2008

I never was a huge advocate of using time out as a means of disciplining the kids. Why? It did not work, in my opinion. I spawned the kind of children who would punch holes in the wall as they stood screaming in the corner. I have the kind of kids who know how to wear me down by getting out so many times that I finally give up or forget that they were ever in the corner, in the first place. It just wasn’t worth the headache it gave me to keep the perpetrator in the corner long enough to serve a proper time out. “Life is too short and so is my memory,” I would tell my mother, who would get frustrated at my lack of consistency.

Jo’s time with us, taught me a few keys to making time out work. Every one of them integral parts of effectively applying time out. I just thought I’d share them with those of you who are chomping at the bits for school to be back in session, because your kids are making you batty with their naughtiness.

1. Chose a spot that is away from the television, or anything distracting.
2. Chose a spot that is withing eye shot, so you know if they try to get out.
3. Do not get distracted by other tasks, therefor, allowing the time out to escape your thoughts.
4. Do not respond to the child, even if they are cursing, spiting or employing any other mean of getting a response.
5. If they get out, calmly (but assertively) take them back without talking to them.
6. CONSISTENCY is key. Even if it takes too hours to complete the first time out. It will get easier, but you have to establish the idea that you are serious and will not bend.
7. Explain the infraction for which they are being corrected, before and after the time out.
8. End the discipline with an apology (from the child) and a hug (from you.) Positive reinforcement is huge!!!

Trust me when I say that this may take some time to master. My husband went through the painful task of executing these steps, during the taping of Supernanny, while I was out of the house. It took every shred of patience he had (and he doesn’t have many,) to not give up and just spank the child for being so insolent. After it was over, however, my husband and I saw the true importance of sticking to our guns and the great results it can yield! After six months of the new time out methods, we are experiencing easier and more effective discipline. It is especially helpful during these vacation months! Thanks Supernanny!!

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