Skinner himself believed that all forms of punishment were unsuitable means of controlling children's behavior. His theory of operant conditioning asserts that children will behave in certain ways if they receive rewards for doing so ("positive reinforcement"), and that undesirable behavior can be diminished by withholding the rewards or by invoking pain (both of which are termed "punishment").
Time-out stems from the behaviorist movement based on the work of psychologist B.F. In either case, parents who use this method are promised quick and easy results. Some books recommend an added rule of silence, and suggest that the timing be repeated if the silence is broken. After a period of time, they are allowed to come back to the group or join the family, provided that they act "appropriately." The designated period of time is usually one minute per year of age, and children who leave the chair or room before their time is up are told to return for the full allotment once again. Misbehaving children are told to sit quietly on a chair or go to their rooms to calm down and think about what they did.
#Amount of time out for kids for free#
Revised and updated in 2000.Ĭlick here for a four-page printable version for free distribution to parents.Īs concerned parents and educators have become aware of the dangers of physical punishment, time-out has emerged as a popular disciplinary tool. Originally published in Mothering Magazine, Fall 1992.
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