Preschool

[ToyaC333]

My almost-preschooler is not cooperating with the concept of "time out" - she just does not go for it. When my older child was at that age, he did as he was told and followed the time out system. With my daughter, she won't stay in the time out spot no matter what we say (or threaten!). Time outs are actually making her behavior worse! I thought I had this positive discipline thing figured out, but I guess every child is different! She responds to me taking away priveleges...but I'm wondering if there is a middle step I can try!  What methods of discipline others resorted to when time out just doesn't cut it?

[MsMacy2]

Hi ToyaC! Over the summer, I posted about having issues disciplining my toddler, as well. You can read some of the great advice I got here.

Time outs were challenging for us as well, but I stuck with them and they work good for us now. Early on, it helped for me to actually take the time out with my son and use it as an opportunity to talk through what had happened, why he did what he did, and help him understand why it was wrong. Overall, time outs started more as time for us to sit down and talk...after he learned the meaning of time out and that it was a serious time for reflection, he started responding better and now sits alone for his given amount of time. Maybe it will work for you to approach it this way.

[Mary]

I too would love some suggestions on this one.  My husband can put my son in time out and he stays but the only way I can get him to stay is if I sit with him and hold him in place which feels really wrong to me.  He then lashes out and hits me.  He's only 2 1/2 but he is definitely in that terrible two's stage.