Friday, June 1, 2012

Time-Outs: Not Just for Toddlers!


Most remember their first introduction to the term “time-out.”  And it wasn’t at a sporting event.  Unless you call putting gum in another’s hair a sport.  I actually can’t speak from childhood experience here, as my folks weren’t ones to waste energy touring “Time-Out Island” on their way to visit “Spanking Mountain.” 

However, as a parent, I used time-out some with my boys.  It worked with Child Number 3, who would rather see his fingernails pulled off than miss any outdoor activity…including putting gum in another’s hair.  But, Child Number 1…well, let’s just say that when I finally remembered he was in time-out an hour after I had stuck him there for “just 10 minutes,” he was well into Act III of “Finger People Go to the Zoo.”  He asked if he could stay in “time-out” just a little bit longer.  You know, to finish the show, allow for curtain calls and such.  I obviously had to come up with another form of consequence for that child. 

Lately, I’ve been pondering other kinds of time-outs we humans may experience in our existence. Like, when we’re trying to finish college so we can get on with “real” life.  When we’re losing a job and anxiously wondering when the next one will come along.  How about waiting for Mr. or Mrs. Right?  Big time-out for some, I know.  And there’s being patient for that child we may be longing for.  Or, maybe even feeling sidelined by the children we do have…like life is on hold until they get “bigger.” 

I’ve been in sort of a time-out myself for the past several months. Reevaluating my priorities and what I really want to spend my days accomplishing.  Taking the time to appreciate my family, and then taking the time to make sure they know I love them more than the other things that constantly vie for my affections. My time-out also caused me to take a break from sharing via blogger-land some of the cool truths God encourages me with here in my home.  The home I laughingly and lovingly refer to as my “cave.”  

Well, the whistle has been blown and this time-out for me is over.  And while I’m thankful to get back in the game, chewing gum and blogging…it was truly a good break.  One that made me realize my passion has never been stronger for encouraging others to see these things we call “time-outs” as quite often blessings in disguise.  Times to realize…or maybe just remember…who we are and what we should be doing.

Much like the outcome we expect when we stick a toddler in the corner of a room.

18 comments:

  1. KyAnne,

    What an encourager you are. Glad your time-out is over!

    Leaona

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    1. KyAnne, after just sending home (reunifying) two foster kids age 8 and 10 we've used some alternative ways to dicipline (which we sent along with the parents) Like saying "I would hate to have to give someone else your ...for doing your chores for you." (fill in the blank ie: allowance,cookie,muffin) or "You'll have to lose electronics privileges tonight while the others play, for that behavior". or "you'll have to be really good to earn that privilege back today." Oh we'll miss them, are already, even though they were quite a handful. Anyway, enjoyed your blog :-) Blog on, Steve

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    2. God bless you guys for loving on these kids who so need it! Thanks for reading and for your support!

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  3. Welcome back, KyAnne! Been missing you!
    Becky

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  4. KyAnne, Your world is miles away. Who ever dreamed we would have opportunity to be words on a page away. Some things about technology are fantastic!!!!!!!!!!! I enjoyed your blog about time out isn't just for toddlers. Wow!
    Your words about reevaluating priorities and what I really want to spend my days accomplishing is so important and hard to accomplish. It reminds me of the things that are immediate and important. How do I get to the most important when the immediate things are taking up all my time. I'm continually praying on this note. Thanks. Elaine Ashley

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Elaine! My prayer is to just be an encouragement! While you're praying - please pray for me, too!

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  5. So happy your blogging again.

    Carol

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  6. So glad to have your fun and encouraging words back on my blog roll, Kyanne! Looking forward to hearing what God is speaking to your heart these days!

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  7. KyAnne, Just have to say that your profile is hilarious! You are such a funny fun girl. I'm sure that's why I like you so much. Sending blessings your way from the Ashley family!!!

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    1. Thanks, Elaine! Not everyone appreciates the funny, I'm sure...but, I know it's how God wired me to relate to people! Hopefully, after all the laughs - which are so good for the soul - people understand the abundant joy that comes from knowing God's love. :)

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  8. KyAnne... Totally true. Sometimes a time out is given to us by God a place for us to learn a lesson or two before we get back on the road He wants us on. I thought I didn't want to teach anymore, so God gave me a "time out" job... it made me realize I DO want to teach and I've got to get back to that calling. It's always good when we learn what we're supposed to learn during a time out.. hopefully I won't be in the time out chair for long. Blessings to you, K!

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  9. I'll be praying for you as you make your way back to teaching! May God give you wisdom, guidance and abundant favor in this journey! I reentered the world of teaching just a couple of years ago, so I understand where you're at! You can do it! Keep me posted on your progress!

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  10. Well...my time out is over with drawing and painting, which I have always wanted to do, but of course with 5 children and know 8 grandchildren I am still very busy. My time is spent with people encouraging oral health as well as systemic as well as seeing all my family as much as I can,hugging,laughing and sharing God's love. What a good life and what a good friend you are...cavewomen. Love u lots, Vicki

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  11. You're awesome at hugging, laughing and sharing God's love, girl! Looking forward to seeing some drawing and painting in there soon, too! Thanks for dropping by my cave! Love ya!

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