Any parents give themselves time out?

[peg2001]

I found myself losing my temper for very little reason last week and decided to give myself a 5 minutes time out in my room. DD7 followed me and I explained that she needed to leave me alone for 5 minutes. Each time she tried to complain, I added a minute. Then she started arguing that it should still just be 5 minutes, and I kept adding a minute. We were finally up to 20 minutes before it got through to her and she went to her room, crying. DD3 came in at this point, and I explained that I needed 5 minutes and she said ok, left, and came back about 7 minutes later. She and I wrestled and played until DD7 reached 20 minutes and could come back in. She was annoyed that DD3 got to come back and play before she did.

Do you use time out on yourself?

Peggy

 

[TEENEE]

oh, yes. I have been at my wits end with everything from time to time. When I get like that I will sit outside in my hammock or rocking chair until I cool off. It's good for our kids to see that moms and dads need a time out too.

 

[meandtheguys]

You bet! I can get pretty crabby when I am stressed out! The kiddos just don't know (yet) when to back off unless I explain that I need a few minutes to regroup. A friend taught me this, and now hers, (9 and 12) know when to give her some space. Have a great holiday, and good job for taking care of yourself!

Michelle

 

[JetMom]

I have given myself time out many times. I will tell the boys Mommy's losin' it guys. I have time out for 5 minutes. I go in my room, shut the door and come back when I am calm.

 

[Serena]

LOL, oh yeah, lots of times.

 

[powellrj]

When it gets really bad, I will sit in the car. I will turn it on, put a cd in and sit back and enjoy the quiet time. The kids are staring out the window thinking I have lost my mind, but it really helps. Our house is way to small to have anyplace to get away, but the car is perfect

 

[atlnewf]

I certainly have. For the most parts my kids have been good about letting me have my time out.

ashley

 

[HoneyPooh]

Often! I get especially crabby when I let my sugar get to low. My family can usually tell and they leave me alone voluntarily, they've learned their lesson the hard way . I usually hide out in my bedroom for 1/2 an hour with a book or a magazine and then I feel better.

 

[Doug123]

It's healthy to step away for a few minutes until you gain back a bit of perspective and control. Time out is good for adults and kids, for many of the same reasons.