Teaching Time-Out and Job Card Grounding Procedures to Parents: A Primer for Family Counselors

Abstract

Time-out procedures are proven effective methods for reducing undesirable behavior in children. However, such procedures are often taught incorrectly or used improperly and are therefore of little value in reducing such behaviors. The authors present a review of literature, empirically based instruction methods, and a case scenario to assist family counselors in educating and training parents in the appropriate use of time-out strategies. A form of time-out, known as job card grounding, is also presented as a derivative more applicable to adolescent children.