During the past several weeks, when our families were all together under one roof, lots of dynamics took place. One particular phenomenon was the increase of the “Time-Out” implementation for a particular few children. Listen, we all act out from time to time, and kids are no different.  I heard  this consequence being meted out to several young boys in my home the past few weeks. Now, I did not pay too much attention as I was usually in the kitchen taking care of something; it’s just hard to ignore the chant and refrain, “okay, Time out! That’s it. Consequences…” or whatever terminology was used between mom and child.

(When Child A gets a Time Out,  his close-in-age siblings or cousins  suddenly act  like little “tzaddikim” (pious ones), because hey, the heat is not on them right now! …but I digress)

It can’t be fun for the Time-Outee. But alas, time-outs are a fact of life, and I support the moms who have the stamina to follow through on warnings. And it is wonderful afterward – to see the shining behavior after the time-out.

Time Outs for children are  practice sessions for life. When we become adults, we begin to implement our own time-outs. Hopefully, we can figure out when we need them, and take them! For some a “time out” is a walk around the block and a breath of fresh air. For others it is a break to read a book. And for still others, it may be taking a nap when things get too intense. Oftentimes, we have too much of one thing for too long a time, and things get a bit “intense” – as if one would be in a squabble with a little cousin or sibling. At these times, one just has to realize that, and move away from the situation.

Shift gears, and take a break. Regroup, meditate and move on in newer and fresher ways.

I think I’m going to try that. I’ll let you know how it goes.

But for now, I will write my little guys a note, telling them how proud of them I am for their amazing behavior while at my house. Because at the end of the day, we remember the smiles and kindness in those adorable kiddies!