Learned Time Out

Brandon learned time out today (yes, I know it is after July 4th and I need to post some photos- they are on my facebook page).

We have been teaching Brandon time out lately and we are being very careful as to what we do time out for. We know he is still learning so we don't want to put him in time out for everything but as he is entering the toddler years we are noticing he is starting to throw tantrums if he doesn't get his way. This means we need to guide him and teach him that he can't always have his way and how to control that anger and frustration.

We use time out if he is doing something drastic. Mostly- hitting our big screen tv or the cats. We also use it when he is tipping his sippy cup upside down and squeezes it to let it squirt all over. We always give him a warning first at eye level with a firm voice. We correct the behavior and redirect him. Sometimes that doesn't work. Our time out spot is at the end of the hallway facing the wall (usually he turns around which is ok).

Today he hit the tv and we redirected him. When I was at his eye level with him I told him that next time he hits the tv he will go in time out. He immediately ran down the hall and sat facing the wall. The hall light was off so I went and turned it on and got him out of time out. I told him he wasn't in time out and made a fun/giggle out of it so he didn't think he was in time out. He popped up and went to play. He realized he wasn't in time out.

However, hours later he didn't listen to mommy about not spilling his sippy cup upside down. After the warning he did it again and I took the sippy away and said "Time out". He ran to the end of the hall and sat down facing the wall. He knew he was in time out and knew the drill. I follow him and sit behind him to make sure he sits for a minute. I only had to correct him once and make sure he sits for a minute. After the minute is up I face him and talk to him like an adult and tell him why he was in time out. Sometimes he just wants to go and play but he needs to listen that he didn't listen to mommy and why he was in time out. Then we do hugs and kisses so he know I still love him and then he goes and plays.

It is intersteing how the last few days he is really making a connection to things. When we are eating and ask what he wants he has been signing 'more'. He really knows what that sign means. When we ask him something specific (like "Bring this to daddy") he will do it. His mind is working like crazy these last few days and it is fun to see how things come together. He is also trying hard to talk more and more- the sounds are there but not the actual word.

This is a fun time period right now. I love seeing him learn and grow and make these connections. I love this kid!