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You watch as your 5-year-old daughter slaps your 3-year-old son. How do you respond? Do you yell at your daughter and tell her never to do it again? Do you walk out of the room? If you are unsure about how you should disciple your daughter, you should try the time-out technique. The time-out technique is a great way to teach your children discipline when they start acting out.
First, when you see your daughter slap your son, you need to pull her aside, get down at her level, and tell her that we do not slap people. Tell her that this is a warning and the next time she does it, she will go in time-out. Use a low authoritative voice. You need to pick a place in your home where time-out is. It can be a step, wall, or chair.
Second, if your daughter slaps your son again, you need to immediately pick her up and put her in the time-out location. Clearly tell her what she did wrong and why she is in time-out. Make sure you say something like “I told you not to hit your brother and you did it anyway. You will sit on this step for five minutes and think about what you did.â€
Third, walk away and set the timer. Your child’s age will determine how long she is on time out. It is one minute for every age. If your child gets up from time-out, pick her up, put her back in time-out, and reset the clock. Do not talk to her.
Fourth, when she has sat for the entire time. Go to her, get down to her level, use your authorize voice and explain way she was put there. Ask her to apologize and ask for hugs and kisses. If she yells, “Sorry,†tell her that is not acceptable. Keep asking for an apologize until she gives you a sincere one.
