They say that time-out is a good method, because instead of a real "punishment", it's more like a break from positive reinforcement. Obviously there are limits to how much time you can give the kid, to make sure it's not unhealthy for them, but I think it works really well. I mean, that's the only thing I've ever used while I'm babysitting, and though I know that that's way different from actually being a parent, it does mean something. Like, I tell Andrew to go to his room when he starts getting in his rage fits, and he goes. His parents use time-out, and he stays in there until he's told he can come out (10 min.). And it's actually a pretty positive thing. Sometimes I am mad at him when I tell him to go, but mostly I just say, "Andrew, you need to go to your room now because you are hurting your sister, and that is not what we do; we need to be kind to one another". Which sounds retarded, but I think kids really need the reason why they have to act a certain way. Anyway, I think that it's a good system, and much better than hitting
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Actually, that site gets a bit crazy if you read too far down; all that stuff about writing lines . . . . huh. But this site recommends time-outs as for smaller children, as a short-term learning tool. I think that's probably more realistic. I mean, you can't give a 14 year old a time-out; unless he/she is abnormally well behaved. But it stresses, instead, spending more time with your children and teaching them what behaviors are appropriate and why. And that's what most children want in the end; their parent's attention and respect. It's kind of a neat site, and they have little things to do that make a difference-- like blowing bubbles!
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http://www.parenthood.com/articles.html?article_id=4236
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