Time out

Time out is a form of punishment used by parents or teachers in response to undesired behaviors amongst children. When children are put in time out, they are put in a certain designated place to sit for a certain amount of time to reflect upon their behavior. Time out is an effective disciplinary technique in which no physical punishment is used.

Review Date: 01/24/2011
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.