Time out is an effective non-physical way to discipline a toddler. A time out time means when the child does something wrong or against the rules the parent would tell the child what he or she has done wrong, and put them in a special time out location for a short while without reacting negatively or positively. Reaction-less punishment is important. Negative reactions will reinforce a behavior the same way positive reactions will. Calmly removing the child from the action he or she is doing and placing them in time out with a clear explanation is sufficient.

With younger toddlers from about age, one to three traditional time outs can be difficult. This is because you will be unable to get them to sit in time out. You can try holding them silently in your lap in the time out area or make the time out area a crib or play pen that the child cannot get out of and will have nothing to play with in. Time outs should be no longer in length than the child’s age in minutes. This is because a one-year-old toddler for example will not remember why they are sitting alone after 5 minutes.

By about age five your child will understand the concept of punishment far better. Till this point you can for example add time-out time for leaving the time-out area and the child will understand why they are sitting there even longer.

Like any disciplinary action, it is important you are also consistent and true to your word. If you say for example, “If you put potato piece in the VCR again, you are going in time out.” and then do not put the child in time out when he or she does it again, or at a later time allow this behavior your child will try the behavior again just to see if he or she can get away with it, this time.

It is equally important to be clear and concise about what the toddler is doing to end up in time out. Avoid long drawn out explanations, keep them short and sweet. In our potato piece example above you would say something along the lines of, “No potato in the VCR. Potatoes go in your mouth.” On the first offense, and then if the child continues the behavior pick him or her up place them in time out, and repeat the same explanation.