timeouts? - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

E1979 · 11-25-2008, 06:38 PM

Is 17 months old too young for timeouts? My son hits more than I like and throws a mean tantrum! I am not for spanking so was wondering about the timeout if its effective at such a young age.
Secondly if he is not too young where can you do a timeout? I don't think putting him in his crib would be good because I don't want him to associate his bed with punishment. So what do you do? I can't just put him in a spot because he'll just get up. That is why I wonder if he's too young for this? Any ideas?

Seraph · 11-25-2008, 06:56 PM

He is a little young for timeouts. It would be difficult for him to relate the timeout to the naughtiness just yet. Better is a stern NO, and firmly putting him down on the floor if you are holding him. Tantrums are not really naughtiness at this age. Distraction is your best weapon here. Let him go for it until he is just crying, then distract him with whatever, a walk outside, a little game with you, something he likes to do. You can't really stop tamtrums yet, they have very little control over them at this age.. Cheers, Sera.