How to use Time-out/cool down time

[CAMPFRIEND]

Time-Out/Cool down Time

Time out is most effectively used when a child is unwilling to behave. Removing the child from the situation (or better yet, encouraging the child to leave the situation on their own) for a cool down time, some time away from the stimulus, helps the child to regroup and regain self control. The point of time out is for the child to develop his/her own inner controls over their behavior rather than needing the controls to come from adults.

Time out is NOT a time for “teaching him/her a lesson” or moralizing about right and wrong, humiliating or making fun of a child has NO place in any method of discipline. Time out should be used sparingly as it will lose any effectiveness if over used. Decide beforehand which misbehaviors will result in time out and stick to that decision. Make sure the situation really warrants a time alone to cool down – don’t use if it’s not necessary.

How to Implement Time Out/Cool Down Time

1. Explain clearly what cool down time is all about before implemented.
2. “Warn” or remind the child first. Offer the child limits, choices, consequences
before time out.
3. If a child fails to comply with the warnings, take him/her to a place to
be ‘alone’ to cool down. Be clear on why he/she needs a time out. Say “I feel
you need time to cool down and be away from the situation for a little while,
and when you are ready, then we can talk about it or you can join us again.”
4. Interact as little as possible. Child should be quiet and you may need to
remind him/her that you are watching and waiting to se when they are ready
to return to the group.
5. Short time outs work best – usually one minute less than the child’s age in
years. (e.g. If the child is 5, four minutes time out is enough.” If a child is kept
longer in time out, guilt, anger, fear shame become predominant emotions
rather than the child regaining self-control.
6. BE sure the time is up and the child agrees that he/she is ready to behave and
join the group, give positive attention and reinforcement. Sometimes it is
better to talk about the misbehavior until some of the tension has eased.

[Dave]

I had a lot of experience with time outs last summer. We had a kid in our bunk who would never behave.

I like that fifth rule, by the way. I thought that was neat. :)

[speedx5xracer]

I will keep this in mind next time i may have to use a time out. I try to avoid timeouts when ever possible. We have other punishments we utilize at my camp if it can be done. But the major thing i learned is that :Time out should also be comprable to the act the child preformed.

[camper]

those are good time out rules, but we're not allowed to give time outs...if there is a problem w/a camper that we can't handle by talking to her and getting her to listen to us, we're supposed to bring her down to hq and she'll have to sit w/my mom until she can behave appropriately. so i guess my mom kind of gives her a time out, but we as counselors don't.

[CAMPFRIEND]

It works for all age campers!

[collissimon]

Time outs are our first port of call really: I'd rather give a quick time out to cool down rather than think up a longer consequence.

I think number 1 is the most important: if the camper doesn't know why they are on time out, then they have no reason not to repeat the behaviour. Also, excessive time outs will just make them dislike you, because they're confused!

Number 4 is really difficult I think. In my first year, I used to talk to them on time out, which is a big mistake! It means they don't really get the time to chill out, and aren't always ready to go back. I do usually sit with them though, and talk to them before they rejoin the group, as you can guage how ready they are to be part of the group.

I usually thank them for taking their time out well, as it shows the kid that you do appreciate them taking the time out well, and also that you don't 'hate' them, and want them to have fun with the rest of the bunk.

[rockinsmiles]

Yeah ive used cool off times quite a bit. But i dont use the word time out in this context. time out is like when two campers are arguing or when you are playing game. I think of time out in this context as the little girl/boy he stands (or sits) in the corner with his duence cap on while the other kids make fun of him. weird i know but that is where my mind goes. Plus if you tell any child over the age of 9 that they are going to "time out"...i just dont like it very much. Anyways as far as the technique i like it. i especially like the using the camper's age but this really wouldnt work as well for like a 15 year old. 14 minutes by yourself at camp is way too much in my opinion!

[CAMPFRIEND]

I think as the campers get older it's more up to you how long they get. I hope that older campers don't need as many time-outs as the younger kids.

[rockinsmiles]

You would hope so but i sware some of the older campers have some tempers...i think because they get away with it at home. they are looking for someone to argue back and when you give them time to themselves it opens up new areas for them.

[CAMPFRIEND]

I think with the older campers I spend a lot more time talking to them about what they have don and what we can do to make it better. I think that we can all do a lot of good for some campers who don't get this at home. I have older campers who aree a pain as well and some times a time-out just won't work. I think that talking works the best. Get on their level!

[rockinsmiles]

Definitely talk to them but i think sometimes they need a space to cool off before you talk to them...then again that could be because that is how i work. like i need time to myself sometimes before i talk to someone else...but i still want them to talk to me i just need sometime to collect myself.

[CAMPFRIEND]

I also think that it depends on the camper you are dealing with! Some need time some don't.

[collissimon]

I'm definitely for time out, whatever the age. I'd rather wait for a teenager to calm down and chill out a bit, rather than have a storming row with them.

I think the difference is how you frame it: you would probably have to explain it in a different way.

[CAMPFRIEND]

I'm definitely for time out, whatever the age. I'd rather wait for a teenager to calm down and chill out a bit, rather than have a storming row with them.

I think the difference is how you frame it: you would probably have to explain it in a different way.

I think that a lot of things depend on the age of a camper. I hoe that people talk with different campers of different ages different! But who knows!

[Dave]

I'm definitely for time out, whatever the age. I'd rather wait for a teenager to calm down and chill out a bit, rather than have a storming row with them.

I think the difference is how you frame it: you would probably have to explain it in a different way.
I agree with that. :)