Even the most even-tempered toddler will act up or have a temper tantrum from time to time. When this happens, the best way to stop this types of behavior is to quickly remove her from the situation and give her some quiet time alone. This technique is known as a "time out", and is a good way to help alter her behavior without her regarding it as punishment.

Here are some tips that can help you make the most from your toddler's time-outs:

Time-outs shouldn't be considered to be a form of punishment, either by you or your toddler. Time-outs are an opportunity to help teach your toddler how to deal with common frustrations and to alter her behavior. They are also a time when she needs to be alone, so don't offer her words of consolation or scold her when she is in a time-out, simply let her sit in solitude for a few minutes. This will allow both you and your toddler to calm down before tempers flare on either side

You should wait until your toddler is at least 2 years old before you introduce her to the concept of a time-out. Before this age, she will simply feel like she is being punished without understanding why, since she is unable to establish a connection between her actions and your reaction.

One of the primary ways in which your toddler will develop an understanding of her limits is by testing them, in some cases, repeatedly. Even though you gave her a time-out yesterday for having a tantrum, she may very well do it again today. The key is to be consistent in your response as well. She will eventually get the message that her behavior is inappropriate and will alter her actions in order to avoid another time-out.

It is important that you are flexible with your toddler. Remember that a time-out is intended to be a break from the situation that is causing your toddler to act up. Therefore, don't be too much of a stickler on having her sit in a particular location for a set amount of time. It may be more effective to simply have her put her head down right where she is for a minute or two until she has had time to calm down.

Time-outs can be an effective way to help subtly mold your toddler's behavior. If you keep these simple tips in mind, you will be helping your toddler get the most out of her-time outs, and with any luck, be minimizing the number of time-outs she requires, as well.