Time-out is an effective method for disciplining toddlers. Time-out is a brief period of isolation when a child's misbehavior is too extreme to be ignored. It works because being alone and removed from all sources of attention for even a short time is unplesant for children.

• Use time-out only for serious misbehavior such as a tantrum, fighting or intentional destructiveness.
• Choose a time-out location that is dull, but safe and non-frightening.
• One time-out minute for each year of age is a general rule of thumb.
• Do not talk to the child while she/he is in time-out.
• Calmly explain to the child why she/he was punished and what behavior will be expected in the future after the time-out is over.
• Make an extra effort to reward good behavior after time-out.
• Use time-out immediately after the misbehavior occurs.