“What is the PURPOSE of ‘Time-Out’?”
While “Time-Out” is a simple enough concept, its purpose is subject to great interpretation, complexity, and nuance. Some say that “Time-Out” is intended to be a punishment, a simple procedure to decrease a negative behavior. Others say that “Time-Out” is not only intended to manage negative behavior, but also to give a child an opportunity to express emotion in a safe place and learn self-control. Still, others say that the purpose of “Time-Out” is to give the child a chance to “think about” what he did wrong and grow from the experience. Whatever your interpretation, “Time-Out” is not necessarily simple in its implementation or philosophy.