It’s super easy to make your own timeout bench. Well for those that believe in timeouts. I know there are many that do not, however they work well for my family. I actually give myself timeouts all the time. Hmmm maybe I should make a timeout bench for me. Please know these are strictly for little bums!
I started timeouts when my daughter was roughly 18 months old. My mother was blown away that she would actually sit there until I told her she could get up. I set the timer on the microwave so when it beeps she knew that that it was time to talk about why she was sitting on that bench. It gaves us both time to stop and think about what was going on. It gave me the chance to breath and make sure I reacted the way that I’m supposed to react to whatever it is she did or said. After the timer goes off we would sit and talk about what happened and what we can do to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Her bum is a bit too big for this bench now, however we still have timeouts. I probably have more than she does these days because I truly believe this age takes a lot of patience and I do not have very much. I walk away and calm down. When I come back I have more of a clear head and I have already reminded myself 50 times that she’s little and doesn’t know some of the things I’m saying to her.
Now at 18 months, well no there was no talking about it. I don’t even remember what I did to be honest, it was three years ago. However I’m about to remember real fast as Drew rapidly approaches 18 months. Here is the thing though, I don’t think he will be sitting on that bench like Madison did. He doesn’t sit long enough to put his shoes on never mind set on a bench when he behaves badly. So wish me luck!
To make these cute little benches, just go to your local craft store and buy a plain wooden stool, some stencils, sealant and paint! I blinged it up by adding a sparkly “M” on ours. I made two because at that time we had two homes but now I’d like to hand one of ours down to my cousin because her daughters name starts with “M” as well. Paint to your liking, brush the sealant over it and let dry, we don’t want to wet bums!
There is no reason why you can’t make something not so fun into something a little more fun by adding some craftiness to it!
