Discipline means by definition, training people to obey rules or a code of behavior by using punishment to correct disobedience. Anybody who has studied the science of this can tell you, positive reinforcement is going to lead to much better outcomes than punishment. For over 5 years now I have stopped all use and recommendation of timeouts, punishment, and threats of punishment. On this episode, I give you reasons why timeouts don’t work and what you can do instead!
Timeouts are not going to work for the majority, if not all of your children or clients. There is so much complication and fidelity required for this to be an effective behavior change strategy that is just short of impossible in a typical classroom or even an ABA school. Many times timeouts can even reinforce behavior, especially escape behavior. If a child is refusing to do something and they are sent to timeout, any removal or delay of this task is a reinforcement of their behavior. Timeouts are also ineffective for children with any delays present because they are often lacking the language and understanding of why they are in timeout and what it means.
So what can you do instead of timeouts? It is important first to understand that problem behavior occurs when the demands are too high and the reinforcement is too low. Many behaviors can be controlled preventatively by managing demands and expectations and creating powerful reinforcements. Additionally, positive reinforcement is going to get the best results. Build 8 positives for every negative in your environment. Children whether in school, at home, or in therapy should be provided a positive structure that will promote good behavior and reduce problems.
You can find a variety of Mary Barbera’s free information on this topic and many others at MaryBarbera.com by searching your concerns. If you want to save time and content consumption on this topic, check out her newest mini course, No More Time Out. You can also purchase any of Dr. Barbera’s larger courses, such as the VB Bundle or the Toddler Course, and gain free access to the mini courses as well!
