30 Oct
2007
I can remember vividly the day I brought my precious baby home from the hospital. I remember the moments of her gazing into my eyes, giving me kisses, and cuddling. I felt like those moments were going to last forever. And they have, but now squeezed in between those moments is a new personality that popped out of nowhere pushing the limits whenever she gets the chance. This is when I had to discover the word “time out”.
I learned the word, but executing it was another challenge. How do I execute a time out? Where do I put her in a time out in public? Through trial and error, I have discovered some key tips that have really helped.Quiet Time
One key trick I’ve learned is to know when my daughter is becoming overwhelmed. When I notice my daughter is getting worked up, I change the activity to something more calming. Such as going to her room to read, either together or by herself. I tell her that it is time for Quiet Time. Since using Quiet Time, I notice the number of “melt downs” have decreased.
Time-Out
My husband and I decided what types of behavior would warrant a Time Out. My daughter receives a warning such as “If you continue to… You are getting a Time Out.” If the behavior continues, I place her on a Time Out Mat. The Time Out is timed using a timer. It is recommended by most pediatricians that a child receives one minute for each year of life. For example, a three year old child receives a three minute time out. Once the Time Out is over, I repeat to her why she was placed in the Time Out and that is it unacceptable behavior. What I personally like about Time Out as a disciplining method is once it’s over she’s calm and playing again.
Consistency
The best advice I give to my friends, who are going down the disciplining road, is consistency. I found that when I was not consistent with following through, placement, and selective behaviors my daughter was testing my sincerity. I find it is important to place my daughter in the same place every time. She associates the Time Out Mat with being disciplined. Also, once I have given the “warning”, if the behavior continues she does not get another warning. She is immediately placed in Time Out.
In Conclusion
I was surprised that I had to learn how to effectively discipline my child. In theory, it seemed like it should be easy. But when I had to start disciplining, I found it confusing and unsettling. I had to learn what worked best for me and my daughter. The best piece of advice I received was from a nurse who said “Just remember, they’re not bad they are learning.”
Kelly Korbonski
Atea Kids, Inc.
http://www.ateakids.com
Parenting Articles
4 May 2008
Discipline should have consistency without it your children will take advantage to that inconsistency and may act the other way around as what you are expected them to be.
-Jan