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Time-out
serves as a penalty because it involves loss of privilege. It takes the
grandchild away from
the action and attention rather than the action or attention away from the child.
Time-out is a loss-of-privilege
penalty that is effective because it immediately stops disruptive behavior. |
Definition of Time-Out. Time-out is easy to understand in sports--it is a brief interruption of the action. In discipline, it is a brief (you hope) interruption of your grandchild's disruptive behavior. If your grandchild is very angry or actually having a tantrum, time-outs can be a very effective form of discipline. Time-out is a loss-of-privilege penalty. It is used to stop behaviors, not start behaviors. It works because it takes the grandchild away from the action, attention, or toy rather than taking the attention, action or toy away from the child. Time-out is used to stop a negative behavior by removing your child from the area of trouble, then placing the child in an isolated area. This is effective because it immediately stops the disruptive behavior. It is unpleasant for the grandchild because it takes away his/her freedom to play and interact with friends and family. And it is safe because it serves as a cooling-off time for both the grandparent and the grandchild. Time-outs can be very effective and powerful motivators for disciplining children, but they must be used correctly and consistently if they are to work. If this is not something your children use with your grandchildren, perhaps you can be consistent at your home. Good gift for your grandchild's parents! |
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