Simply set the built-in timer to the desired time-out duration (usually one minute per year of the child’s age) and sit the child on the pressure sensitive pad. If the child gets up before the end of the programmed time, an alarm sounds to alert the parent or caregiver, and the countdown will pause until the child sits back down. Once the full time-out countdown has elapsed, the finish tune is played to let everyone know that the session has ended. The child should then apologize and be rewarded with a big hug! Five Steps to Successful Time Outs
This warning stage is critical to the success of the time-out technique, as it gives your child the opportunity to correct inappropriate behavior. Come down to the eye level of your child, and say in a firm but calm voice “Your behavior is unacceptable. We do not swear and hit people in this house. Please do not do it again”.
For a repeat of the behavior, give a specific warning, like: “I told you not to do that. We don’t do that in our house. If you do that again you will go on the Time Out Pad™”.
If the behavior is repeated, use the Time Out Pad™. Tell the child how long they have to sit quietly (experts recommend roughly one minute per year of age) and the reason why you have placed them there. For example: “We don’t hit people in our house. It’s unacceptable behavior because people can get hurt. You are going to sit here for 3 minutes. When you see the green light and hear the tune, I will come and get you and you can say you’re sorry”. Then move away from the child, keeping them in earshot. If you pop your head around the corner to check on your child and you see the amber light, you will know you have less than one minute to go, which gives you time to prepare for the apology stage. Once you hear the Finish Tune and the light is green, come down to eye level with your child, and ask them for an apology.
Once the apology has been made give your child a big hug. After the hug it’s time to move on and say ‘well done for finishing your time-out.’ It can be a good idea to invite your child back to the activity they were doing before the time-out and at the first opportunity, give them plenty of praise and encouragement. This helps reinforce the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ behavior.
STEP 1 – The first warning
STEP 2 – The final warning
STEP 3 – The time-out
STEP 4 – The apology
STEP 5 – Praise and move on
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