Final answer:
The general rule for the length of time out is one minute per year of the child's age. For a five-year-old child-like Sophia, the time out would be five minutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When explained and used properly, "time out" can be a very effective tool for handling misbehavior in preschool children. The general rule for the length of time out is one minute for each year of the child's age. For example, if Sophia is five years old, she should sit in a time-out for five minutes. This technique is a form of negative punishment that aims to decrease unwanted behavior by removing the child from a desirable activity.
Effective implementation of time out also includes using a timer to help children know how long they have to sit, remaining calm when directing the child to time out, ignoring the child during time out to ensure that caregiver attention does not reinforce misbehavior, and providing a kind word or a hug once time out is over.