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Let's get real: Time-outs may seem great in theory to help kids calm down, but they don't always work -- namely because sitting in a corner is dull as doornails and doesn't give kids something to do to pass the time or ponder how they got there.
"One of the main problems that parents run into when they’re trying to give their child a time-out is that they try to sit them in a chair, corner, or some other small space and tell them to be quiet," explains psychiatrist Carole Lieberman, M.D. "When kids are having a tantrum, they need a way to focus or use up the excess negative energy."
So if time-outs often backfire, consider adding in some of these nifty time-out tools to help your kids chill out.
Image via Entirely Elementary
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Anger balloons are the perfect metaphor that helps kids get a grip during time-outs. Draw a face on the balloon, then blow it up, talking to your kid about what happens when anger builds up. Then, when your kid is acting up, hand him the balloon and tell him to let the anger out sloooowly ... rather than letting it out too quick (balloon flies around the room), or letting it go "pop."
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The concept behind a time-out bottle is simple: Fill an old soda container with water, glitter glue, and glitter. Shake, then give this bottle to your tot to watch settle. Once it has, time-out is over. What a cool idea. Or you can buy from TheCalmMom.
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Kids will almost look forward to a time-out if they're sitting on this awesome time-out stool, where they can watch the sand fall through the hourglass until their time is up. You can buy one pre-made for $119 at Wisteria or make your own time-out stool out of soda bottles.
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These cool-down cubes are perfect for time-outs: After purchasing these cubes from a dollar store, you can use a permanent marker to write down strategies on each cube that kids can use to calm down, like "3 deep breaths" or "listen to music." Then during the next tantrum have them pick a cube and carry out the plan.
More from The Stir: 7 Things Never to Do During a Toddler Tantrum
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Problem with time-outs is it's hard to sit in a corner with nothing to do ... which is why a "counting container" can help. Basically you take any container and fill it with pom-poms, cotton balls, or other sensory items, then have your toddler pop them into the container through a cut-out hole one by one. By the time he's done, he won't even remember why he was throwing a fit!
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Chilling out can be a simple as taking a few slow, deep breaths ... which can seem way more fun with this DIY dragon breather. Basically you add tassels and eyes to a plastic cup, poke a hole in the bottom, then have your kids use this to take deep breaths until they're calm.
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Give an angry kid a safe place to vent with a homemade "crash mat" -- which he can punch, twist, or crash on without hurting himself, or others. All you need is a futon cover or some other container filled with foam cubes.
More from The Stir: Why Time-Outs Are Hurting Your Kid
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This time-out chair comes customized with a child's name, a timer so kids know exactly when their time is up, and a sweet saying: "Time out to think out about the things you do, but always remember that I love you." Isn't that too sweet? ($50 @ RaquelsCraftyCorner/Etsy)
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The next time your kid needs a time out, send him there with wad of "thinking putty"... then watch him squeeze and squish his anger away. ($14.99 @ Amazon)
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Brain sprinkles are a playful way to tell kids "Hey! Use your brain!" Just sprinkle a few in their hand -- don't worry, it's too tiny to give them a sugar rush. But it could be just the distraction and incentive they need to stop anger in its tracks.
More from The Stir: 8 Time-Out Mistakes You're Probably Making & How to Fix Them
