Using time out procedures for kids 1-10 years of age can be effective as long as they are done properly. How long should they be? Parents often tell me they heard it should be one minute in timeout for each year of the child’s life (i.e. 9 minutes for a 9 year old). Contrary to this popular belief, research has shown that 3 minutes is the magic number for effectiveness (for all ages). When kids are in timeout, don’t respond to their tantrums. It is also helpful to be in the same room as them so you can make sure you didn’t just send them to their room to play.