If children get back on the chair as their parents approach, parents should just reset the timer. If parents follow this procedure carefully, it should not be more than a few days before children consistently remain on the chair. If children continue to get off the chair, parents should consult their children's health care provider. After children have been quiet and seated for the specified time, the timer will sound. This is not a signal for children to hop out of the chair.
Parents are the ones who determine if their children are ready to get off the chair.
When the timer goes off, parents should go over and ask their children if they are ready to get off the chair. If the answer is affirmative, parents should tell their children the time-out is over. Parents should not lecture or nag their children about why they went to time-out. If the children do not follow the direction, parents should repeat the time-out procedure. It might take several times before children learn that parents mean what they say.