The Truth About Time-Out
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Parenting is a hard job, and with so much conflicting information available across the Internet, it can be difficult to decide what’s right for your child and family. Let us help! At Little Otter, we believe in evidence-based treatment and interventions — that means that our providers combine research and clinical expertise, along with individual family and child characteristics, culture, and preferences, to achieve long-lasting and effective results that fit your needs.
One of the strategies a provider may suggest is Time-Out. Time-Out should only be one of the many tools in your parenting toolbox! Our providers will support caregivers in learning and practicing many techniques including developing and maintaining a warm, supportive relationship with your child with a focus on reinforcement of positive behavior through a variety of positive parenting strategies.
While many parents are familiar with the basics of Time-Out, there are also many conflicting ideas and perceptions around this topic. Let’s review what the research says about Time-Out:
Time-Out was initially developed in the 1960’s to provide a safe and effective behavior management alternative to spanking and other forms of physical punishment.
Many evidence-based treatment models use a version of Time-Out including: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Parent Management Training (PMT), Triple P, and the Incredible Years. Each of the models listed has many years of research and clinician experience to support the efficacy and effectiveness of the treatment model.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control highlight the use of Time-Out as a behavior management strategy within the context of a positive caregiver-child relationship and alongside the reinforcing of positive behaviors, specifically for children with an ADHD diagnosis, ADHD symptoms, and young children (typically ages 2 years through 8 years old) with behavioral challenges.
Time-Out is always conducted in a safe, predictable manner, with the focus being removal of reinforcement (such as attention from caregivers, toys, or screen time) during a specified, short period of time. Time-Out is designed to be boring, but not unsafe or punitive.
Time-Out has been demonstrated to reduce behaviors such as fighting between siblings, non-compliance and oppositional behaviors, and behavior problems such as aggression and property destruction.
Across studies, Time-Out has NOT been associated with an increase in anxiety, depression, rule-breaking behaviors, struggles with self-control, or any changes in the parent-child relationship.
With all of that being said… How do providers at Little Otter define what a Time-Out is?
Our providers will encourage the use of preventive strategies to reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviors occurring, thus reducing the need for frequent Time-Outs. Additionally, we focus on positive parenting strategies to continue to build attachment, trust, and connection after a Time-Out has occurred.
Time-Out is a specific parenting technique that is both age and developmentally appropriate, and when used in a safe, consistent, and predictable manner, Time-Out is an effective tool for behavior management of young children.
Our providers will encourage the use of these positive parenting strategies after a Time-Out is completed in order to return to building the attachment between child and caregiver.
We’ve talked about the benefits for the caregiver, but what’s in it for the child?
Time-Out allows for a brief break — for the caregiver and for the child, too! This gives the overstimulated brain time to relax and reset, so everyone can make better choices. During this time, any potential reinforcement such as screen time or attention from caregivers is removed.
The predictability of the Time-Out routine provides children with a familiarity and understanding of the procedure, thus decreasing confusion and increasing establishment of appropriate boundaries and trust between the child and caregiver.
Time-Out FAQs
Q: Isn’t putting my child in Time-Out traumatic for them? They sound so angry and sad!
A: According to research, when implemented correctly, Time-Out isn’t traumatic for children. Instead, it’s a structured and safe consequence that helps them learn and regulate emotions.
Q: My child has experienced a traumatic event. Can Time-Out still work for our family?
A: Yes! Children who have experienced trauma thrive with consistency and predictability. Research shows that within a supportive caregiver-child relationship, Time-Out can even reduce trauma symptoms in children with traumatic histories.
Q: I’m worried that putting my child in Time-Out will impact our attachment relationship.
A: It’s a misconception that Time-Out harms the parent-child bond. In reality, when used alongside positive relationship-building strategies, time-out strengthens trust and respect. Parents are supported to implement Time-Out calmly and follow up with nurturing activities, reinforcing positive behaviors and emotional support. This approach fosters a healthier relationship based on clear boundaries and mutual understanding.
Q: Time-Out is only effective because it instills fear or blind compliance.
A: Research shows when used correctly and only when necessary, Time-Out teaches children to listen and follow directions quickly. As children learn and practice following directions at home, they are more easily able to listen and follow directions in other settings — such as at school and with other trusted adults. At Little Otter, we always encourage a combination of many different parenting strategies in addition to Time-Out, such as allowing for child-directed play and offering choices when appropriate.
Still have questions? Little Otter has mental health and parent specialists that focus on providing tools, interventions, and strategies to address your concerns.