TiMeD OuT!

We all love to be rewarded for whatever accomplishment we have made. On the other hand, most of us also fear punishment. 

'TIME OUT' is an idea I got from my friend, Woody, who shared his experiences in implementing a 'just punishment' in their household. And, believe me, it is very effective.


This is just simply letting the culprit stand for an hour facing the wall (not an FB wall okay?). A child is impatient by nature and since patience is not measured by the length of waiting but by the behavior while waiting, the feeling of boredom and resentment exponentially multiplies. Aside from preventing us in spanking and nagging them, they are also given the chance to think. Once we sense that they are already becoming restless, then it is time to let them speak, facing the wall still. They can say whatever they want - explain why they misbehave, defend themselves by justifying their fault, say sorry, make promises, and we must listen to every word they say. Allow them to cry if they want to. Letting them face the wall doesn't allow them to see our reactions and facial expressions (smiling, maybe?). Thus, we're safer this way. If what they say is nonsense, pretend not to hear anything and this will make them think of better words to say. We have to wait for those humble and loving words because, whether they like it or not, they have to. Let us bear in mind that they can only be good parents after they have been good children. After their one-hour-agony, never forget to explain why they have been timed out.

All our children are intelligent, just like us. But, we must be smarter. We are all busy people and so, we prefer to continue with what we are doing (washing dishes, sweeping the floor, checking papers, watching TV, but do not go to sleep huh?). So, this is multitasking because at the same time, we teach and implement discipline in the family. When we opt to scold them, we just commit a sin by saying bad and harsh words or by shouting at them and it'll just be shameful when our neighbors hear us. We all know our children and if there is one person who understands them, it's us. It's now time for us to stop hurting them physically. Remember those times we condemn those ants and mosquitoes who bit them when they were still babies? It is part of our duties and responsibilities to protect them, teach them, and not to kill them.

'Time Out' has no strict and fast rule. In fact, we can set our own rules and conditions. Eventually, this punishment will become an SOP and soon they will be asking you if they are 'timed out' once they commit mistakes.

This is a very harmless punishment and an effective way of teaching and implementing discipline too.  Let me stress also, that this has no exemption. If we intend to practice justice, then we parents, too, can be timed out once we misbehave. So, we better be careful..



(//_^)