Time-In or Time-Out?

Skill: Time-In
When to use it: All the time, especially if you want time-out to ever work
In a nutshell: Before a parent can ever use time-out effectively, "time-in" has to be well in place. "Time-in" is the fun, reinforcing, safe, and enjoyable environment in your home. When a home has a positive feeling, a child removed to time-out knows he is missing out on the good stuff. If time-out is not going well, maybe it is because "time-in" is lacking. Try increasing the encouragement, attention, physical and verbal affection, and just plain fun that happens at your house. But be careful...having great "time-in" times may just about eliminate your need for much "time-out!"
Try this: How long has it been since the tickle monster visited your children? What about a hungry bear who loves it when children wake him up from hibernation so he can eat them up? Where are your bubbles? Hoola-hoops? Face-paints and funny hats? Today, instead of just finding stuff for your kids to do, PLAY with them! Be silly and enjoy the magic that happens by making a child laugh. What are your favorite ways to play? Share your best!