You can never truly be prepared for all the requirements that make up being a parent. You have to make decisions quickly, remain confident in your choices, and then, hope it’s effective. There are all sorts of opinions on how to properly discipline your child and we are not here to tell you what you should do, but we can offer up a suggestion!
Anytime your child misbehaves, you have to first consider the circumstances. Once you understand the context of misbehavior, you then need to decide what type of punishment or discipline is appropriate for that specific behavior.
Lecturing may be best in one circumstance, yet it could be the worst thing to do in another for instance. You have to feel out the situation, and, of course—follow your parental instincts.
Let’s Talk Time Out
The time out method dates back to the late 1960s, believe it or not. This tried and true method is one that all parents typically take a crack at at some point with their children. However, it is debatable whether or not this philosophy works and if it's beneficial for the child.
That’s where we reiterate: certain methods only work for certain circumstances.
One of the benefits of time out is that it teaches children to self-soothe and reflect on their behaviors. The most important part about sending a child to timeout is ensuring they have no distractions, attention, or contentment about being by themselves.
Here’s what we mean: Your child is throwing a fit because they don’t want to be at the dinner table with the rest of the family, so you send them to time out. What you’re really doing is giving in to what they want—to get up and leave the dinner table! This is why you must first think about the circumstance before deciding on the punishment.
Time Out Sounds Bad but it Means Well
I don’t know about you—but every now and then, I’d love to put my significant other in timeout. Sometimes, you just need some time to yourself to cool off, reflect on what’s really bothering you, and realize where you messed up. (Can I get an amen?!)
If You Believe in Positive Reinforcement, Try Time In rather than Time Out
Time out sounds negative, which is fair, considering it technically results from a negative behavior. However, if you focus on being very intentional about the terminology you use in front of your children, try time in!
When you decide that a little alone session is in order, it’s important to know beforehand where this alone time will take place. Ideally, it needs to be somewhere boring and excluded. Obviously, we do not mean you should stick your child in the basement but rather just put them in an environment where they are by themselves rather than with/around the whole gang. You should ALWAYS have an eye on your child during time out so you can be sure they are doing a whole lot of nothing BESIDES thinking about where they are.
Now—we, of course, promote our product as a fun, hangout spot for the entire family but… the Pop ‘N Go Playpen does serve as the perfect time-in spot.
Simply remove all toys and all decorations from the Pop ‘N Go tent and send your kiddo into their own little kennel to think about what they did. (We’re kidding, it’s much nicer than a kennel. That was just a bad joke).
Anyways, not only is your child completely excluded for all other things, but you can still keep an eye on them perfectly! You can rephrase the punishment from time out to time in their Pop ‘N Go!
Yes, timeout is supposed to be boring but it doesn't have to be miserable. Your child can be in a comfortable, safe zone rather than pissed off in the corner. Hey, just maybe... they’ll be more calm being sent to time-in because they know they’re going to a safe zone where they can be emotional and too themselves without feeling truly isolated.
It’s Just a Thought!
No matter which way you parent on misbehavior, you’re doing quite alright, my friend. We’re all in this together, and the Pop ‘N Go Playpen is always an option if and when nothing else seems to work. 😉
