Do Time Outs Work?
In theory time outs are a good idea. But it’s probably the most misused of all the discipline strategies. If a time out is used as a way for both the parent and the child to “cool down” and soothe difficult feelings, then it makes sense. But if it’s strictly used as a punishment, making a kid sit alone for as many minutes as they are old, the time out is purely punitive and doesn’t teach any coping skills.
