Calm Down Timer
Age-appropriate timeout and reflection timer
Helping children learn self-regulation through structured calm-down time
Timer Settings
2 years5 years12 years
minutes
Recommended: 5 minutes (1 minute per year of age)
05:00
While Waiting, Try These Activities:
🌟Draw how you feel
🎨Squeeze and release fists 5 times
📝Think of 3 happy memories
🧘Do 10 jumping jacks
Age-Appropriate Timeout Guidelines
2-3
2-3 years
2-3 minutes
Brief timeouts work best. Focus on immediate redirection.
4-5
4-5 years
4-5 minutes
One minute per year of age is a good rule of thumb.
6-8
6-8 years
6-8 minutes
Children can handle slightly longer periods of reflection.
9-12
9-12 years
10-15 minutes
Older children benefit from time to process emotions.
Making Timeouts Effective
Before Timeout
- • Clearly explain why timeout is needed
- • Use calm, neutral tone
- • Choose a quiet, safe space
During Timeout
- • No talking or attention
- • Stay nearby but don't engage
- • Reset timer if child leaves spot
After Timeout
- • Brief discussion about behavior
- • Opportunity to apologize if needed
- • Quick hug and fresh start
Remember
- • Timeout is for reflection, not punishment
- • Consistency is key
- • Follow up with positive attention