I have been blessed with my daughter so far...she's going to be 2 next month and she's only had 1 tantrum so far. We've never had the need to do a time out. I know she's going to have them eventually and my concern is that when we do have to start time out she's not going to be used to it. What do you think?
2006-10-31 07:39:13 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
The reason I was concerned about her not being used to it is that most people I know started time out when their kid was 1. I guess I thought that being an older kid would make time outs less effective.
2006-10-31 07:50:19 · update #1
My Son was the same... nice mild temperament.. then he turned 3! Don't worry, girl, the tantrums will come. And while they may not be the roll on the floor kicking and screaming kind you are expecting, I promise you will have no problem recognizing the behavior...
Discipline should always match the offense. You will know what to do when that time comes. Use you instinct, girl! It's the only thing God gave us in way of a "How To" book.
And, if they never come.. YOU ARE BLESSED!
2006-10-31 07:52:58 · answer #1 · answered by Fluffy Rover 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I found 2 to be really easy as far as tantrums and naughty behavior. 3 was a trial though. Getting the child used to the idea of what time out is and what it entails will help both of you out tremendously. With my son (age 4) we use the "1-2-3" system. If he's freaking out or acting naughty, I start counting....if I reach 3, then there will be a negative consequence (whether that means we go home from something fun or he has to go to bed or whatever. He just knows 3 means something he doesn't like is going to happen). He's only pushed me on it twice, just to find out what would happen if I got to 3. Now, by the time I get to 2, he's ready to behave and do as I ask.
2006-10-31 15:48:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should be as verbal as you can reasonably be with a two year old in letting her know what the time out means and why she is getting 'set down'. If she does not connect the punishment with the crime it will just frustrate her and do no good.
Also start with very short time outs. Five minutes is a year to a two year old. Generally speaking a time out should match the child's age in minutes......2 minutes for a 2 year old for example.
Also, don't expect to sit her down and then you walk away and have her stay there the first few times. Be prepared to sit near by and keep insisting that she return to her seat as needed. You have to let her know you take this seriously and you expect her to do so as well.
2006-10-31 15:49:55 · answer #3 · answered by Puzzler 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should consider yourself blessed to have a child who has a mild temper.
I don't know why you're concerned about "not being used to it." Whatever age you start a discipline measure, the child isn't used to it because it is new. She will learn.
Personally, I prefer working on communication and expressing emotions to time out. I think TO is demeaning AND I think that if you have a child who is an extrovert, it doesn't work well because they NEED contact with others in order to calm down.
2006-10-31 15:46:46 · answer #4 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I think if you keep up the praise as reward it should go far. I dont think you should start worrying about time outs till you need them. Getting her used to it isnt as much a problem as YOU getting used to it. Nobody likes to have to discipline their child and watch them "suffer".
I am a firm believer that you are born with your temperment. If she is a fairly obedient child, then she probably will be until she starts school...thats when the fun begins and a whole new transformation starts...
2006-10-31 15:50:13 · answer #5 · answered by Mystie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my son didn't start having temper tantrums until 2 and 1/2. Time out works some times but other times it takes more than time out. I don't believe in spanking him for things that don't deserve it. So I recommend you use what your instincts tell you to do. I'm sure everything will turn out fine.
2006-10-31 15:47:39 · answer #6 · answered by Dana J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She won't be used to it, but she'll get used to it. There will be a transition period. It's good that you've thought of this in advance. You'll be well prepared when it does happen.
2006-10-31 15:43:24 · answer #7 · answered by LadyDeathStryke 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually I noticed they worked better for my older kids then my younger ones.
2006-10-31 15:58:59 · answer #8 · answered by purpledragonflyjrh 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The age doesn't matter. If that is the form of punishment you wish to use, then use it when you need to. Good luck.
2006-10-31 15:52:21 · answer #9 · answered by Army Wife 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry she'll get used to it pretty quick!
2006-10-31 15:50:45 · answer #10 · answered by Jen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋