How To Use Waiting Time As A Discipline Strategy
Time-out can be a very effective behavior modification strategy when used properly. The ultimate goal of time-out should be for children to learn how to take time off by way of a break when they get into trouble. However, many parents are not using this discipline strategy effectively.
The operation of this strategy is very simple. When your child begins to misbehave, he is taken out of that situation to prevent him from continuing with that behavior. So said it sounds very simple, but when it comes to carrying it out, it may not be so much.
Keys to making waiting time an effective strategy
Time-out is a method of discipline that seeks to give the child a chance to cool down and think about what he has done wrong. At no point should the intention be to scare, threaten or intimidate you, but simply to remove you from the situation.
To make this method of discipline effective, the following aspects must be taken into account:
Explain the time-out process to your child
If you are introducing time-out to your child for the first time or are changing the time-out process, you must explain what it consists of, that is, what will happen in what kind of situations.
You must explain the wait time rules clearly and tell them how long they will be on hold. This time will begin to count when you calm down.
Do not abuse the waiting time
The time-out strategy becomes less effective when used too often. If you use it several times a day, it will soon lose effectiveness and the child will stop responding.
If you see that throughout the day you have to use the strategy several times, it is better to propose another alternative discipline method, such as taking away privileges, for example.
First of all, offer a warning (just one)
Certain behaviors must result in the consequences of the selected discipline method, such as malicious physical assault, for example. However, other types of behavior may be preceded by a warning.
Make sure your child listens to you when you warn them, and if the behavior continues, apply the timeout. In this way you give the child the opportunity to realize that he is not doing the right things and to voluntarily change his behavior.
There are no second chances after the timeout has been announced
If your child has misbehaved and has not reacted to the warning or has done something that he knows he cannot do, there are no second chances, once you tell him to time out. If you give it another chance, you will enter a vicious circle from which you will not be able to get out.
Don’t give your child a chance to negotiate or manipulate you. There are no promises that are worth. The waiting time must be met if you want the method to work in the future and if you want your child to respect and obey you.
Be consistent and consistent, wherever you are
At home choose a place where your child should spend the agreed waiting time. Make sure that the place does not give rise to distractions or to be disturbed by anyone. The waiting time applies regardless of who is at home.
If you are away from home, do not hesitate to apply the waiting time. It can be in the car or anywhere in the place where you are that meets the requirements. If you are in a public space, do it too.
Always have a plan B ready
You should avoid a power struggle with your child if he refuses the timeout. Don’t argue, yell, or force your child to go where they don’t want to. Instead, make it clear that refusing to meet the established waiting time will result in a more serious consequence.
If he still refuses, go ahead with the announced negative consequence. To further reinforce the importance of meeting the waiting time, the next time your child misbehaves, at the first negative hesitation, apply the negative consequence again.
