Tot's Teaching TimeOut™ for the Child TimeOut Tot has transformed the time-honored timeout into a meaningful teaching time. "Tot's lessons aren't punitive, they're instructional, and have changed the way I look at timeout," says working mother Nancy Ross. When the need arises…Tot appears at the push of a button to
helps young children learn from their mistakes so that they can make a better choice next time.

Sometimes it takes a third party to drive these "life lessons" home. "Tot is a non-threatening, non-judgmental, imaginary friend who nurtures children emotionally and socially at a time when parents can't," says Peggy Legault, mother and pediatrician. "Tot's unique method of using role play to visually contrast appropriate and inappropriate behavior transforms these abstract lessons into ones that children can understand," says Kindergarten Teacher of the Year, Melanie Arms. "I love that Tot gives specific direction using real life situations," says child psychologist and mother of three Lisa Hinz. "It helps children draw a clearer line between what is acceptable and UNacceptable behavior."

Now, it doesn't have to be timeout for children to watch TimeOut Tot. "It's one of Petey's favorite DVDs," says mother Casey Richards. "Tot has a magical way of talking to children, and listening to his lessons over and over only reinforces the meaningful messages."

Tot's Teaching TimeOut for Parents is designed to give them insight into why their child is misbehaving and what they can do about it -- with great tips on how to "unemotionally" manage their child's mistakes. "It's stressful to discipline your child and anything  that can alleviate the stress (and sometimes guilt) that comes with that is invaluable, says Meg Vail, mother of two. "What a great idea for a DVD! I am surprised no one thought of it earlier."

Volume One includes lessons for some of the most common mistakes (3-5 minutes each):

Whining:

• Child: Tot teaches how to ask for something politely and in a normal tone of voice by demonstrating the difference between a good voice and a whiney voice. Tot warns, "Nobody wins with a whine."
• Parent: Every time you respond to a whine you are rewarding that behavior. The answer to every whining request must be a definite "no."
• Song: Little Susie Likes to Whine, sung to the tune of "Old MacDonald

Tantrums:

• Child: "Tantrums make you look silly." Tot explains and shows other boys and girls kicking and screaming, to demonstrate how ridiculous they look. Tot teaches how to talk out anger instead of "growling" it out.
• Parent: To unemotionally respond to a tantrum requires a great deal of patience and inner strength, but it is a must! It is essential to ignore tantrums in order to end them.
• Song: If You're Angry, sung to the tune of "If You're Happy And You Know It!"

• Child: Most preschool age children cannot anticipate the consequences of their actions. Tot teaches how this action can cause someone to get hurt. This segment explains how using words is a better choice, and doesn't put an end to the fun.
• Parent: Don't allow the stress of the situation to take over. It is important to remain calm and unemotional in order to "teach." Understanding that impatience and impulsivity are normal preschool behaviors helps parents keep their cool to teach the rule: NO PUSHING!
• Song: Don't Push, sung to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"

Biting:

• Child: Animals and insects do this because they can't speak. Tot teaches talking out anger and demonstrates the consequences of a bite through story and song.
• Parent: Say "Ouch!" Through word association of natural experiences, the child will grow to understand that it hurts and is wrong. Watch for patterns to determine the cause. Parents should always console the "victim" to demonstrate compassion and to illustrate the consequence of the action.
• Song: Naughty Nerbert, sung to the tune of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider"

Cutting in Line:

• Child: Nobody likes a line-cutter and Tot demonstrates this by showing the reactions of other boys and girls when someone cuts in front of them. Tot also teaches how to make waiting in line more fun.
• Parent: Watch your child closely so that you can correct him/her at that moment of the mistake so the child learns that it is wrong.
• Song: Standing In Line, sung to the tune of "Three Little Angels"

Grabbing:

• Child: Demonstrates how to extend courtesy by asking before taking.
• Parent: Explain what sharing means: lending for a short time. When friends come to visit, parents are advised to put out pairs of toys that encourage sharing and interactive play.
• Song: His Favorite Toy, sung to the tune of "Three Little Speckled Frogs"