When a child or adolescent becomes overwhelmed, over stimulated or simply too frustrated, attempts to sooth them or give them choices may not work. At these times, parents may need to help their child or teen regain the ability to calm and regulate themselves. Parents may need to help their young children take “time outs” by removing the child from the frustrating situation. Time out, is not supposed to be punitive rather a space for a child to calm down and begin to regain control. Follow through with empathy towards the child/adolescent’s feelings is important for parents which allows space for child/teens to take responsibility for their choices and talk about their frustration with their parents.
Along with our children and teens, parents need to take time away from their children and adolescents when we are feeling tired, too angry or overwhelmed.