Time Out (TO) is an effective disciplining method to reduce young children’s (3 to 8 years) problem behaviours; and the suggested TO optimum duration is 1- to 4-min. However, parents and teachers should be trained to implement TO in appropriate procedures. Inappropriate use of disciplining strategies is not considered as TO, and they are ineffective and harmful.
In early childhood setting, TO provides teachers an effective way when dealing with repetitive problem behaviours. It promotes young children’s development of self-control in both behaviours and emotions. Before introducing TO, teachers should clarify the followings: firstly, it is only for children aged from 3 to 8 years, as younger children are still developing their ability to judge whether their behaviour is inappropriate and relate to the consequence (TO); secondly, class rules are made and understood by all children, and the consequence (TO) of breaking the rules are explained; thirdly, TO duration should be short, and an explanation should be given at the end of TO; fourthly, the process of implementing TO should be calm and secure; at last, more implement of time-in (which provide children time-in with teachers to calm down by expressing their feelings) should be introduced, as it emphasizes on positive behaviours, TO could be an alternative method for specially difficult behaviour problems.
This work is my own work and does not represent the views of Macquarie University staff or students.
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