How Long is Long Enough for a Time Out?

I’ve read the usual theories on time outs. Most say a minute per year of age is generally about right. But it’s my experience that it isn’t always enough.

To me, the length can depend on what you need to accomplish with the time out. Sometimes a time out is just a cool off, in which case a few minutes may be all that is needed.

But I’ve found that with my daughter sometimes a short time out is just not sufficient to make her think about what she’s doing. 4-5 minutes sitting in time out is nothing to her if she’s just in that mood to refuse to do her chores. A longer one becomes necessary to get her attention.

So I’m curious about what methods other parents use to set the length of a time out. I use shorter times for minor issues or cool off time, but I’ve noticed a definite need for longer ones when I need my daughter to think a little harder.

How about in your family?

[tags]time out,children,kids,discipline[/tags]