Timeouts are most appropriate for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. They should last a minute for each year of the child's age.
| Step | What to keep in mind | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Briefly explain the reason for the timeout | You can warn the child first, but just once |
| 2 | Quietly walk the child to their designated timeout chair. Tell them to sit there until you say it's time to get up | Set an example of how to be calm by remaining quiet and exercising self-control. If the child refuses to go to the chair, pick them up gently from the back, under the arms, and carry them there |
| 3 | Put the child in the chair while repeating the reason for the timeout | Remain calm and say nothing else. Make sure the child stays in the timeout chair until it's over |
| 4 | Tell the child when the timeout is over. If the child was cooperative, thank them for that | It's up to the adult, not the child, to say when it's time to move on |
| 5 | Reconnect with the child | Praise good behavior, such as sharing with siblings |
