When is the right time to start Time Out??

Question

My daughter is 26 months old, we would like to start time out, but I am unsure she is ready for it. What age do children generally understand time out and become ready for it???

Answer 1

I would start now.  It's obviously not going to be successful every time.  Just keep the explanation short such as "No, don't put toys in the toilet," and then put her in a corner, on a mat, etc., for 2 minutes.  My daughter is 3 1/2 and I wish I had started time out earlier with her.

Answer 2

as long as she understands she has done something wrong and you give her a time frame then it's fine. Set the microwave or stove on a 2 minute timer so when it beeps she know she has to go to you and apologize.Be sure to explain to her what she did wrong and how she wont do it again or else she will recieve the same consequence.

Answer 3

As soon as they start misbehaving. I started at 1. I would sit them in the corner according to their age. That's what they tell you to do anyway, I used to work at a preschool.

Answer 4

My 15 month old get time-out and understands it.  It has been one ofmy earliest forms of discipline w/ all my kids, starting at around age 1.  I firmly believe once they understand "NO" and refuse redirection, then do something anyway they are ready for a time-out.  Already when she goes to do something she knows she's not supposed to & I ask if she wants a time-out, she shake her head no and then stops.  Good rule of thumb so they remember why they're there, 1yr=1min so a 2 year old gets 2 minutes.  Also, I use a stool or the bottom step that way they are removed from the situation.  

Answer 5

you can start now but make sure you dont put her on timeout for too long, 1 minute per 1 year of age is a good rule. good luck

Answer 6

i was told by my doctor that u can give a time out by like 9 months and of course it aint very long. it just gets them use too it by the time your child 2 and it also helps them understand no .

Answer 7

We started time outs at 18 months, and he understood time outs at 2 years.