Take a Break/Start Over is a way to help stop problem behavior and help a child get back in control. Taking a break allows time for the child to think about their behavior. Break time should be short—1 minute for each year of the child’s age. Break time can be time sitting in a chair, time without a toy, or time without television. It helps to separate the child from other children. Never put the child in the dark. Also, this tip should not be used for a child under 2. When break time has ended, help the child return to play by saying, “Okay, let’s start over.”
EXAMPLE: Carlos, 3, is playing rough with a toy car. The Safe Sitter® warns him to stop but he doesn’t. The Safe Sitter® says, “Stop or I’ll put the car away.” He still doesn’t stop. The Safe Sitter® tells Carlos he needs to take a break from playing with the car and puts the car out of his reach for three minutes. After three minutes, the Safe Sitter® gives Carlos his car and says, “Okay, let’s start over.”