I've mentioned about timeout for kids in one of the threads. These timeouts should not just be for kids but for the parents as well. Well here are some guidelines in implementing timeouts when rules are broken. Rules are rules and if they're broken by either the kids or parents, there should aslo be a corresponding punishment - the timeout.

Where should the timeout area be located?

It should be near and accessible to all so that you can still see if the 'rule breaker' is still doing his/her time. It should also be a place where the 'rule breaker' will not be able to watch tv or play games - in other words, it should be a boring place.

How long should the timeout be?

Two to five minutes should do the trick. After that time, if you ask the 'rule breaker' if he/she has learned their lessons, they'd normally say yes. If not, they should still stay in the timeout area to think about what they've done.

How to implement timeout when rules are broken?

It should be explained to the 'rule breaker' why he/she is being sent for timeout. Parents must be specific and brief in telling which rules are broken. After sending the 'rule breaker' to the timeout area, you mustn't linger and feeling sorry for your child.

Sample house rules (Some are taken from Nanny 911)

1. No swearing and screaming

2. No punching, kicking, biting, throwing things or anything that might hurt others.

3. No lying

4. Be respectful

5. Cleaning up after making a mess

6. Ask before borrowing something

7. Knock before entering someone's room

8. Do your assigned chores

Yes, that's one of the reasons why parental timeout is a must in every home. The most important would be the reason you've mentioned Diane - it's so that we can cool down and relax.

There's also another important reason for parental timeout and that is so that our kids will respect the house rules. If the rules only apply to the kids, the kids will normally rebel and cry foul or mommy's unfair. An example of this is a good friend of mine. Their whole family went out to eat at a restaurant and my friend forgot to put his napkin. The kids immediately noticed and said that their daddy broke the rules. My friend then quietly stood up and went to stand at the corner until his 2 mins timeout is up. He told me that his kids respected the rules and respected him more after that.

Two to five minutes should do the trick. After that time, if you ask the 'rule breaker' if he/she has learned their lessons, they'd normally say yes. If not, they should still stay in the timeout area to think about what they've done.

Just something to add to how long it should be, Nazreen. Of course there's lots of differing opinions out there but I remember reading that you should take the child's age into consideration as well. I think the guideline was one minute per year but obviously each parent will find what works for them.

My sister's daughter hated time out and couldn't stand it after a few minutes whereas her son was pretty stubborn and would be there forever without batting an eyelid. No two kids are the same, I guess.