Time Out

"Time out" is a technique used by parents and teachers in response to undesired behavior in a child. It involves removing the child from the environment and activities in which the inappropriate behavior occurred, and placing the child in a specific place for a specific amount of time. During time out, the child is expected to be quiet and reflect on the behavior.

Time out is an effective disciplinary technique in which no physical punishment is used. Professionals report that avoiding use of physical punishment may help prevent children from learning that physical violence or infliction of physical pain is the key to achieving desired results.

Children learn to avoid time out by ceasing the behaviors that have caused previous time outs or those that result in such warnings.