1. Here aretheNannies'tips for learninghowtogiveeffective time-outs:
 Designate a spot. The time-out should always happen in the same place. For
children ages 2 to 4, it's best to keepthe time-out spot where you can keep an
eye on them. Ideally, it shouldbe a hall or a corner, somewhere they can't get
into mischief! (Don't use a crib or bed, as those are for sleeping!) Also, never
lock your child in a room, as that is scary for a child.
 Give warnings. Never just put your kid in a time-out after a first offense. This
is only going to make your kid even angrier. Whetherit's the three-strikes-
and-you're-out policy or just once, like, "I said no hitting. One more time and
you're in time-out," decide which style works for you and stick to it.
 One minute of time-out for each year of age. Trust me, three minutes is a
lifetime for a 3-year-old! Time-outs work best after age 2. Any youngerand
they can't understand the concept. Make sure you use a timer and that it's in
plain view of the child. Youngerkids will listen for the ding, while older kids
who can tell time will feel the effects of time passing slowly.
 No getting up. If your kid physically gets up before the timer goes off, then the
clock starts over again. They can fidget, hum, protest all they want, but no
leaving the time-out spot!
 Don't give in. No matter how much pleading, begging and crying is going on in
front of you, stand firm. Parents must work as a team on this one. As soon as
your child realizes that one parent will cave, then the battle of wills is won.
And sending mixed messages ultimately confuses the child.
 Don't go overboard. Time-outs shouldonly be usedfor major rule-breaking.
Also, don't combine a time-out with taking away a toy or reward. And don't
punish all of yourchildren if just one is acting out. Hopefully, the more
you reward good behavior, the less time-outs you'll have to use to raise the
well-behaved kids they're destined to be.
 Talk to them afterwards. This is the MOST important step! And so many
parents forget to do it! All time-outs need a talk afterward in order to clear the
air. Sit down together, ask yourchild what was going on, what they were
feeling. Listen calmly, because again, all your child wants is to be heard and
validated.
So to repeat: To give effective time-outs, give a warning first. One minute of
time-out for each year of age. Designate a time-out spot. Use a timer and keep
it in plain sight. No getting up until the time-out is over. Don't give in and
don't go overboard. And most important, talk to yourchild afterwards. (You
just might learn something new about yourkid!)