The Time-out Chair
by Ross
Time-out. In a chair. Facing into a corner or against a wall. In what sport does this happen, you may well ask. It’s called The Game of Life.
The penalty call is for running in a “no run zone” or having a temper tantrum or “potty mouth”. The official making the decision is usually not wearing a black and white shirt nor is the call preceded by a shrill whistle blast. It’s not an automatic red card, it was probably preceded by a warning yellow card in the form of a verbal count to three, a warning which went unheeded. The tired, frustrated parent is trying to bring a sense of order into the chaotic household.
I am a grandfather. My parents didn’t use this technique with my brother and I, nor I with my sons. Am I against this form of correction? No, not really, I just think it is over done, often exclusive. Varying types and severity of punishment should be used to more closely line up with the indiscretion. Removal of a privilege or treat and spanking are two methods that come to mind. Just as modern day human resource departments use progressively harsher discipline with employees, so should parents.
Parenting today is not easy. I believe it is more difficult now than when I was a parent. And now a confession to my boys. I now strongly believe that explanation and love needs to be the over-arching umbrella of child discipline. Explaining that actions have consequences, explaining which actions are not acceptable, and why; showing love by words and deeds, often, not just when disciplining. In these two areas I could have done a much better job. Forgive me.
My wife and I joke with our grandkids about Nana sending Grampa to his time-out chair when he is bad. They think that is funny. Silly Grampa. Oh well, at least my chair is outdoors.
Grampa's Time-out Chair