Time-In or Time-Out?

Skill: "Time-Out"
When to use it: When a child's behavior cannot be ignored or redirected, or the child's behavior is taking over the situation and has become the object of everyone's attention. Examples may include a child who is hitting other children and interfering with their positive play, or a child who is out of control and throwing objects.
Ages: Best for around ages 2 - 7. Much younger children don't usually get it, and other discipline forms like removal of privileges work better for older children.
In a nutshell:
Don't: Threaten, yell, scare, or become otherwise ugly and mean. You can be firm and still remain in control.
Don't: Threaten time-out. Think about it..."Do you want to go to time out?" is not a very intelligent question.
Don't: Apologize for putting a child in time-out. Appropriate discipline doesn't need apologies.

Do: Use a less-intensive method of intervention when possible, such as changing the mood with humor, ignoring inconsequential behaviors, or using the stop-redirect-reinforce method. When a behavior needs a time-out, be prepared to follow through to the end.
Do: Find a non-scary but totally dull location for time-out.
Do: Say something like, "When you behave this way, you may not be with us."
Do: Lead the child to time-out. Say, "When the timer goes off, if you are behaving nicely, you may come and see me."
Do: Set a timer for 30 sec per year up to age 3, and 3 minutes past calm down after age 4.
Do: When the child completes the time-out and comes to you, smile and say "I'm glad you...." and be about your business. Be positive and MOVE ON.

Try this: Role play "going to time-out" with your child. When things are going well and the emotion is neutral, teach them your expectations. Let them know which behaviors will result in a time-out. Show them where it is, practice going there and setting the timer, and practice coming out.