Time Out or Calm Space

Time Out has fallen out of favour, in recent times as some parents feel this is too punitive. CBS uses the word Calm Space instead of ‘Time Out” to communicate that it is not used to be punitive but rather as a way to extinguish challenging behaviours. There is no evidence or research to suggest the use of ‘calm space’ is harmful if applied correctly, consistently, calmly and in line with best evidence practice. Time out is more effective if ‘time in’ is positive and rewarding.

When families and children are trained in the proper techniques of time out – learning a system that involves a positive ‘time in’ environment of child – parent interaction, explaining the rules of time out (calm space) in advance and using warning statements/instructions and consistent follow through, children show great success.

(Dr Cheryl B. McNeil & Corey C. Lineman, 2023)

Preschoolers and elementary aged children have demonstrated improved development of emotion regulation and self-control following limit setting with time-out (Lieneman et al. 2020).

When used within a caregiver-child relationship built on positive interactions, time out helps children learn vital skills in emotion regulation and self-control (Kapalka & Bryk, 2007).  Using time out, caregivers can motivate their children to behave in ways conducive to healthy development. Skills like impulse control, compliance with directives from authority figures, emotion regulation can be cultivated using time out.

Stronger skills in these areas are associated with greater success academically and in relationships (Trentacosta & Shaw, 2009) as well as fewer problems related to criminal activity, mental and physical health problems, and substance abuse (APA, 2013; Trentacosta & Shaw, 2009)

Finally, we have found no evidence of long-term negative impacts of time out or BPT packages that use a time out procedure.

Non – compliance is considered a disruptive behaviour for which time-out is a highly effective treatment (Eyeberg et al., 2008).  Though not limited to compliance training, time out’s effectiveness can be attributed at least in part to improved child compliance. Compliance is foundational in improving child behaviour.

Research has shown that procedures that include time out are effective at reducing undesirable behaviour for children with milder presentations of ASD (autism).

Time out is most effective when used in conjunction with high quality time-in. Time out as a discipline strategy have also demonstrated effectiveness at reducing a variety of externalising behaviour problems, for instance, hyperactivity, aggression, and non-compliance (Comer er al.; 2013; Eyeberg et al.; 2008).

Karen Campbell
Child Behavioural Services