The 2-minute time-out is one of the simplest, most effective tools a parent, teacher, or caregiver can use—and it doesn't require punishment, shame, or raised voices. When used consistently, it can transform your home or classroom into a calmer, more respectful space where limits are clear and relationships stay strong.
Written by Peter A. Beddow, PhD, BCBA-D—an experienced behavior analyst, educator, and parent—this guide walks you step by step through how to implement the time-out routine with clarity, calm, and compassion. Drawing on decades of work with families and children (including his own), Dr. Beddow explains:
What time-out really is—and what it isn't
- Why 2 minutes is enough
- How to avoid common mistakes that make time-out ineffective
- What to do when a child screams, refuses, or runs away
- How to stay calm and follow through—every time
- Special considerations for children with Autism or histories of trauma and abuse
- What to say (and not say) before, during, and after
- How to navigate time-out with multiple adults, schools, and grandparents
- Why consistency is the key to long-term change
This book is filled with real-life examples of families and children who learned to build trust through the consistent use of time-out. It also includes adaptations for classrooms, tips for using time-out without creating power struggles, and a summary guide to support everyday use.
Whether you've tried time-out before or you're just beginning to set limits, this book will help you do it right—and do it well.
