Perhaps parents need a timeout from giving timeouts.

Published: February 6, 2017 | Updated: July 30, 2020

Perhaps parents need a timeout from giving timeouts.

According to a new study, most parents use timeouts as a form of disciplining a misbehaving child. The study, which surveyed hundreds of moms and dads of children between the ages of 15 months to 10 years, also revealed the majority were using timeouts incorrectly.

The most common mistakes were giving the child multiple warnings before putting him or her in timeout, talking to the child during timeout and even allowing the child access to toys, books or electronics, which made the timeout less effective.

“The biggest thing is following through with what you say,” said Erin Frazier, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group – Broadway. “If you keep saying ‘I am going to put you in timeout’ and never do, it’s ineffective.”

Dr. Frazier, who also is medical director of Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness, says parents need to set limits and stick to them.

“It should be ‘The rule in our house is no hitting. You hit your brother, you will go to timeout,’” she said. “After timeout is over, reiterate your love for your child and move on.”

Dr. Frazier offers other tips to make timeouts a success:

• Don’t yell — it doesn’t work. It’s better for you to make eye contact to get your child’s attention.
• Don’t talk to or interact with your child during the timeout.
• If your child tries to escape, return him or her to the timeout area with minimal interaction.
• Reduce your child’s access to electronics, books and other forms of entertainment during the timeout.

To learn more about using timeouts effectively, Dr. Frazier recommends reading the book “1-2-3 Magic.”

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