If your little one is struggling to maintain self-control, as most toddlers do from time to time, start by giving him/her a warning.  Make sure that the warning is clear and spoken in a language that he is able to understand. You might want to say, “Jason, if you hit your friend again then you will take a timeout.” If the inappropriate behavior continues, then guide your toddler to a timeout area. An ideal timeout area is a quiet place that is free from distractions such as television, toys, and other children  It might be helpful to have a predesignated timeout space in your home or other places that you visit frequently. This way you can avoid the added frustration of trying to figure out a good timeout spot. Be sure that you tell your child why he is being taken to timeout. And be sure to criticize the behavior and not the child. For example, you might say, “It is not okay to hit Sam” rather than saying “You are a bad boy for hitting Sam.” Most experts agree that the most appropriate timeframe for time out is one minute per year of age.  So, your three-year-old would be in timeout for three minutes, your four-year-old would be in timeout for four minutes, etc.  Your child may resist staying in timeout and this is completely developmentally appropriate for a preschooler. If he refuses to stay put, firmly but gently hold him/her down by his shoulders. You may also try placing him/her on your lap and securely holding him/her there while he remains in timeout. Some parents prefer to take a timeout away from their child instead of when the child is resisting. This could simply mean telling your child that you are taking a timeout from him/her and then staying in the same room to monitor him/her but not responding to him/her. Reintroduce your child back into a positive activity after the recommended time in timeout is complete. If he is still engaging in agitated or frustrated behavior, it may be helpful to give him additional time to cool down. Let him know that he is free to return to the other activities as soon as he stops crying or whatever behavior he is engaging in.
حذر طفلك دون سن المدرسة. أرشده إلى منطقة العزل. اطلب من طفلك البقاء في منطقة العزل لوقتٍ محدد. واصل نشاطك العادي.