I am a single father of a five-year-old boy. By all sense and purpose my son is like most five-year-old boys. He likes playing and laughing, going to the park, eating a McDonald’s chicken McNugget Happy Meal, and watching cartoons. Not only does he wa

Whether it’s through Federally funded programs, like those previously mentioned, or through legislation, education is the key. Regardless of your opinion of the “proper” parenting skill to use for a particular issue, the important thing is that all parents are educated to obtain the skills necessary to be an effective and positive parent. Parenting skills cannot be developed by one method alone but education will always be the foundation of whatever method works best for the individual situation.

One of the most popular methods of non-physical behavior management is a method commonly referred to as the “time-out” method. Although this is a very popular form of behavior management, it is important that the parents who choose this method understand that it is more than just the words “time-out”. “Many “time-out” programs are just going through the motions: the time-out, the I’m sorry, and that’s it. That’s not enough” (Anonymous). The concept of “time-out” has been greatly misunderstood and incorrectly applied. Most parents oversimplify the concept of the “time-out”. “[There was a woman who stated that] her son was on a great time-out program. “He hits his sister and then goes and sits. I don’t even have to tell him anymore”. [It begs the question] who’s conning whom” (Anonymous). It’s that exact attitude that perpetuates the improper application of the strategy of a “time-out”.

The “time-out” method, as in any parenting skill method, takes a certain amount of “follow through” to be successful. This only confirms the importance of the education of parenting skills to parents. Because parents have such a strong misconception of the concept of the “time-out”, the method loses its sincerity. It’s not just a simple matter of momentary punishment. It is imperative that parents take the necessary time to ensure that the children understand the proper message of the punishment. If children are not educated themselves then they are destined to repeat the negative behavior that we as parents are trying to limit. “Kids are worth [. . .] the time, the energy, the resources” (Anonymous).

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