Based on personal experience~ Is it really possible to put a 15 month old in time-out?

Question

If so, I would definitely like to try it w/ my 15 month old son....

I was reading the answers to a previous question where people were advising time-out for a 15 month old. I have a 15 month old son & I didn't realize that it was possible to start time-out...

I mean putting the child in a chair or corner~ not so much putting him the crib....

Answer 1

I have a 15 month old and it does not seem like an option at all right now. I mean, I know she understands a majority of the things I say to her but not enough for her to understand why I'm putting her in a corner. I think she would be more likely to think that I am just being cruel to her than her understanding that she was being naughty. I think the corner is more appropriate for maybe a 2 year old or so. Disciplining is very confusing for me right now too. It's like she knows when she's being naughty but can't completely understand me. I hope others give you some other ideas on here cuz I could use some too.
:)

Answer 2

Yes it's possible but don't expect to say go sit in timeout and the child does it! First you have to teach about time out when the child is calm, tell him when you do something you aren't supposed to then you will have to sit here and not play (having a specific place or chair is best). Then when he does something he isn't supposed to give a warning (at least in the beginning) and say next time you will have time out in the chair like we talked about. Then do it! I would do it for 2 minutes to start. Sit him in the chair and start a timer (another idea so you don't have to watch the time or accidentally forget and leave him there too long) At least at first watch him the whole time he is there. If he is trying to get up or play stop him and put him back in the chair. If he is really fighting it sit beside him and hold him in the chair or your lap. Talk to him while he is in time out let him know why and how to not get time out again. Then when the 2 minutes is up let him go and play.
When he is a little older then I would not start the timer until he is calm and in the chair.
Good luck! It's possible, but a little bit of work for you, that is worth it in the end. Oh and don't use time out for petty little things save it for bigger things. DON'T OVERUSE IT!

Answer 3

At that age, we used "time-in" rather than "time out." The child had to sit on a parent's lap, while we hugged him/her and spoke very softly (only when necessary) for the first 2 minutes. After that, we explained what behavior was wrong, suggested an alternative activity, and helped him/her get started with that better alternative.

We didn't start time-outs until sometime between 18-24 months, depending on the kid. My youngest is super active and would not sit alone until age 2. So she got time-ins longer than the other two did. Time-outs don't work if they don't have enough self control to stay in the seat by themselves.

Answer 4

We've been using timeout with my 19 month old for several months now but only for things like kicking, hitting, etc. If he doesn't stop after asking him once to stop, he gets one minute timeout in his crib - no toys, etc in there with him. Redirecting works well with most other things but if this doesn't work, a time out might. Occasionally we try the couch but he can't really stay there for a minute without trying to get down. Putting him in the crib removes him completely from the situation without expecting him to stay still in a corner or chair. However, what works for one doesn't work for all. Try different things and if one thing works slightly, keep trying- consistency is most important.

Answer 5

Yes! My mom has always worked in day cares well for the last 20 or so years! I have grown up around kids who have been punished differently and you know the ones who get timeouts or "pats" on the bottom as early as a year learn alot quicker whats right and wrong! I think people are just silly if they think a spanking or a timeout is going to hurt the baby! (Well 9 months is prob still too early) But i think in the long run punishing them earlier will help- them and you!
(Also def agree with steve -for every year a min!)

Answer 6

We use a chair and time out for our 14 month old. It seems liek they may work for him and I'm VERY happy abotu it as his sister it did not.

My son DOES stay in his chair looking at the wall for the full minute. He can cry and he can scream but he is not allowed to get up. He does well with it, last time he was in time out I even forgot eh was there because he went right to it and wasnt fighting!!

Answer 7

It depends on the child.

The thing with time out is that you vary the time depending on the age of the child. Since your son is 1 year old, his time out would be one minute. When he turns 2, he would go to time out for 2 minutes and so on.

One minute seems like forever to them. After 30 seconds, it may not work. Just be constant in your discipline and good luck!

Answer 8

I would say no, I would go down to the child level, meaning squat down and let them know it was not right and tell them what is the right thing. A 15 month year old is not going to learn anything in time out.

Answer 9

The chances of a 15 month old understanding all that are slim to none. 2 years is more realistic... we started then - well 23 months actually.

But I think if the child stayed, and seemed to get it that he/she was in trouble... sure.

Answer 10

yes. its a good age to start. put them in time out according to the child's age 1 year 1 min 2 years old 2 Min's in time out. and make sure it's always the same spot if possible