As a parent, navigating through the roads of all things discipline can be a bumpy one. It seems like there are 100 different philosophies and methods for discipline. By now you've decided that spanking is not for you, but what about what was once considered a method only "the hippies" were using: TIME OUT. Does time out work? Is it effective? When and how should it be used? And more importantly: Can it do more harm than good? Our Parents Ask experts weigh in....

Still not sure whether Time Outs cause more harm than good?  Here's the breakdown of the facts and opinions that brought our experts to Yes, No or In Some Cases...

Robert MacKenzie says "Yes! Time out is effective."

WHY?
-Time out is a highly effective "guidance procedure." It STOPS misbehavior. It should be done 1 minute per year, but not before age 3.
-Parents should use a timer and be exact. Timers don't argue or negotiate.
 
Susan Stiffleman says "No! Time out is harmful!"

WHY?
-Children need to feel safe and secure and we put them in "time out" we are "shunning" them and making them feel disconnected. This feeling can actually lead to misbehavior. It's a vicious cycle.
-We need to be the captain of their ship.
-When we give them a time out, we are saying we can only accept the good parts about you and we can't accept the parts that are having trouble with their feelings.
-Parents: You take the time out. You can excuse yourself. Not your kids.
 
Ann Corwin says "Sometimes, Time out can be effective... Sometimes!"

WHY?
-Depending on the circumstance and child, time out can be effective.
-Give them something that reminds them of you: Never leave your child completely alone in a room. Giv ethem a blanket or an article that will have them stay connected to you. Otherwise they can feel abandoned and this would do more damage than good.

For more information and philosphies behind the "Time out" tool, check out:

-Time Outs

-KidsHealth.Org

-Keep Kids Healthy

-3 Common Mistakes for Time Out-- Babble.com

-Time Out "Rooms"- Is there a better way? --ParentDish.com