Parents time out9/3/2023 ![]() Use of time-out should be carefully considered by practitioners (e.g. 13 What should be considered if using time-out for children with trauma histories? ![]() Instead, where trauma symptoms are present, time-out should only be used as part of a parenting program focused on child misbehaviour. 13 However, as we discuss below, it is important to caution that time-out should not be used as a discipline strategy for trauma symptoms themselves. However, since this has been the only study conducted on trauma symptoms to date, further research on trauma symptoms is needed.Īlong with other parenting strategies, time-out is also a component of evidence-based interventions specifically for child trauma symptoms, such as Trauma Focussed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT). 12 These findings suggest that parenting programs involving time-out may reduce behavioural problems and even trauma symptoms. ![]() 10, 11 For example, one study on Parent Child Interaction Therapy that included time-out found significant reductions in child trauma symptoms, as well as behavioural problems. We also note that time-out is a component in parenting programs found to be effective for improving behaviour adjustment in children who have experienced abuse and neglect 1 and for children in out-of-home care. Moreover, we would suggest – as others have also argued – that gradual exposure to time-out may serve to reduce distress and fear when used as part of a calm, predictable approach to discipline that maintains secure attachment. While these are understandable concerns, we would highlight that not only are children's behaviours improved in parenting programs that include time-out strategies, but there is currently no scientific evidence of its harmful effects. 2, 6 Is it appropriate and effective for children with trauma histories?Įxposure to traumatic events is common in childhood and is associated with the onset of a broad range of mental health difficulties, 7 as well as behavioural symptoms of trauma.Īnecdotally, we are aware that some practitioners may have concerns about whether time-out could serve as a reminder of a previous traumatic event and, in turn, cause children to feel fear or distress, leading to re-traumatisation. 5 Importantly, we are not aware of any scientific evidence to show that time-out is associated with harmful effects on children’s well-being. 4 Time-out is also associated with larger program effects in improving child adjustment. 2 Time-out is a component of several evidence-based parenting programs, with substantial research showing improvements in behavioural adjustment in children. There is a large body of research demonstrating the effectiveness of time-out. 2, 3 Is time-out an effective parenting strategy? To apply the strategy effectively, caregivers should follow a number of evidence-based practices. 2 The strategy is most commonly used for misbehaviours, such as noncompliance, tantrums and aggression. ![]() Time-out is one part of a set of practices of which increasing warm, positive and responsive parenting is the critical first step. placing a child who has misbehaved in a boring/neutral space and requiring them to be calm and quiet for a set period of time, before returning to ‘time-in’). the removal of positive reinforcement for a brief period of time for misbehaviour (e.g.high rates of caregiver attention, praise and affection – also known as ‘time-in’) a positive reinforcing environment (i.e.Time-out is an abbreviation of ‘time-out from positive reinforcement’.
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