Friday, July 10, 2009

Positive Discipline Made Easy with the Timeout Circle from Uh-Oh Mama! {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

Congratulations to the winner, TheAngelForever!

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In the last few months we've started implementing "time out" in our house with EG. We use it more as a cool-down for her rather than a punishment. There are so many different studies out there and ideas about what an appropriate "time out" is, and after having looked at many of them I decided I definitely agreed that it would be more effective and better for us if we used it from a positive perspective rather than a negative one. We definitely needed to do something because when EG has a meltdown there's really nothing we can do except let her calm down on her own. My goal was to have a place in our home where EG knows she can (and has to : ) settle down. To implement this "time out", I first of all needed a place for EG to go that she could easily recognize as her designated place to cool down, and a plus would be something that we could take with us anywhere (i.e. Nana's, vacation, etc.) for consistency. After looking on the internet for such a "spot" I found several "Time Out" chairs and circles, but nothing extremely portable or without the words "time out" (which just rub me the wrong way for some reason). I decided to continue my search on my all time favorite website, Etsy, with the thought that no one would make such a thing as I envisioned. But, lo and behold, Marci at Uh-Oh Mama! had just what I was looking for! What she calls her timeout circle is just what I had been looking for. It's a completely customizable (any wording you like!) designated spot that you can use for your time out, quiet time, or whatever you like to call it! We named ours the "thinking spot"!

The "thinking spot" is a kid-sized, dual layer (cotton top and fleece bottom for extra padding) fabric circle specifically designed for time out. It comes monogrammed with the words "time out", but this can be changed to accommodate whatever wording you would prefer (i.e. thinking spot). You can also add your child's name by adding the monogramming option in her shop. The spot is also completely customizable with your choice of fabric, from tons and tons of choices.
As you can see, I chose a pink/green/brown polka dot fabric with the words "EG's Thinking Spot" (her full name is 'pinked' out in the picture but is on the spot) around the edge. It turned out so cute and is the perfect size. Not only is the spot itself wonderful, but it gets even better...an included egg timer! The timer comes with it's own matching timer cover an can attach to the spot with a velcro attachment. The attachment is extremely convenient when transporting the "thinking spot" so that everything stays together. But, when EG is actually "thinking" on her spot, I have to take the timer away so she doesn't play with it. She does definitely listen for the "ding" though! For kids who wouldn't play with the timer, maybe older kids, it would be a good way for them to see how much time they have left. Great features so far right? Well, I also said that I wanted something portable, and this totally is. It folds up nicely and comes with its own matching drawstring bag that bears the name of what is inside. So cute, and definitely handy! You can see how small it is from EG holding it in the pictures. I honestly don't know what more you could ask for in a timeout spot. It has everything you need for positive discipline all rolled in to one!
I think we will definitely be using this for years to come and it is so wonderful that we can take it anywhere! EG knows what it is and it helps to make our discipline more consistent. This is one of my favorite products I have been able to review because it has worked so well for us, and I can see the application of this product for so many families out there! You will truly love it! Definitely check out Marci's shop to see the Timeout Circles she is currently offering. While you're there you can also check out some cute dresses, onesies, bibs/burp cloths, tutus, and more! But that's not all...one reader will get to choose a custom "timeout circle" of their own (new fabric choices will be coming in a couple weeks too!)! Simply follow the directions below...

TO BUY: To buy any of the items in Uh-Oh Mama's store simply visit her Etsy shop and shop away! The timeout circles are $36 and include the timer and bag.

TO WIN: Visit Uh-Oh Mama! and pick your favorite item. Then tell me about your favorite item and how you will use the timeout circle if you win.

To enter this giveaway follow the rules and entry guidelines below (US ONLY):

1. REQUIRED: Visit Uh-Oh Mama!, pick out your favorite product, then leave a comment telling me your favorite product AND how you will use the timeout circle if you win.

To earn extra entries you may do one or more of the following and leave me additional comment here telling me which you have done:

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (be sure to leave me your Twitter name and a link).
3. Blog about this contest and leave the link.
4. Follow.
5. Subscribe.
6. Grab my button and let me know where I can find it on your site.

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible one in your profile, so that I can contact you in the event that you are the winner. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Friday July 24. The winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and notified on or around Saturday, July 25.**

57 comments:

  1. I love the Reversible Zebra Print Hooded Pancho. I agree about the trying to keep it positive. so i would try to use it as a cool down spot as well. amsbolda@hotmail.com

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  2. I follow u. amsbolda@hotmail.com

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  3. I subscribe. amsbolda@hotmail.com

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  4. I have your button. amsbolda@hotmail.com

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  5. follow on twitter and tweeted. amsbolda@hotmail.com

    http://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/2579316739

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  6. I love the Seeing Spots fleece jumper.

    I teach kindergarten. The time out circle would be great in my classroom!


    mj.coward[at]gmail.com

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  7. Oh! my favorite one is the Pink petal filled adjustable tutu and the timeout circle I would use it for some thinking time time out :) very cute!

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  8. I have your button in my blog :)

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  9. I love your work! My kids are 4 and 8 and can both use a good "Time Out Spot". I love your Poboy onsie....do you make it in toddler sizes????? Keep up the one of a kind work!

    productsoftheday@gmail.com

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  10. I love the Pink petal filled adjustable tutu. My dd loves these! She is 2, and gets lots of time-outs. I teach 2nd grade and think this would also be very helpful in school.

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  11. I like the pirate bib hat.

    I would use the time out mat for my daughter...it won't be long before we start teaching her "time out"

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  12. Love the star super hero cape!

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  13. I love thered polkadot timeout circle, something about red makes it all the more serious! very cute.

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  14. you can find your button on my blog
    http://molinofamilys.blogspot.com/

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  15. follow and tweet
    http://twitter.com/amolino/status/2627715301

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  16. From her store I love her little onsies- especially the Sweet as Beignets Onesie! She has some cute dresses too!

    I have been searching for a portable time-out solution to use at home and to travel with. Using a chair would then be out- I don't want to carry a chair or stool everywhere!!
    We will start using time-out in several months- she's still a little too little to get it, but when we do I want it to be consistant- and this looks like my solution!!

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  17. I like the Green and Blue Polka Dot Wearable Blanket. I would use the Timeout Circle as a cool down spot for my daughter when she has a tantrum.

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  18. I love the pink petal filled adjustable tutu! I just cannot get over how adorable this is!!

    If i win this timeout circle i am going to give it to my sister Melanie for my 5 little nieces...she is definitely in need of this!! :o)
    They can't be angels all the time..hahaha!

    mindeelarsen@hotmail.com

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  19. There are some really adorable dresses in her store! I cant pick just one, dont make me!

    I would use this in my home daycare and also for my very stubborn 3 year old.

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  20. i like Seeing Spots Fleece Girls Jumper

    i would use the timeout circle for when my daughter doesnt want to listen and needs to be disciplined.

    cindys4682@hotmail.com

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  21. Love the Red Polka Dot Time out circle. This is exactly what I have needed for my little guy. Perfect safe place to give a time out that does not take up a lot of space when not in use.

    the_angel_forever at yahoo.com

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  22. I am a follower

    the_angel_forever at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Subscribe to your feed.

    the_angel_forever at yahoo dot com

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  24. Button on the left hand column of my blog TheAngelForever.com

    the_angel_forever at yahoo dot com

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  25. I like the pink petal filled tutu and I would use the time-out circle for my 2 year old when she acts up(which happens often!)

    jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

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  26. I follow!

    jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

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  27. I subscribe!

    jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

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  28. Cute stuff! My favorite is the Autumn Flowers Pillowcase Dress with Red Ribbon Accent. My 2-year-old could definitely use a specific spot to go to calm down when she gets herself worked up in a tantrum because just going in her room doesn't work very well.

    Thanks!
    xpbloch at juno dot com

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  29. I'm an email subscriber!

    xpbloch at juno dot com

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  30. I really like the voodoo baby onesie! I have 4 kids...so I don't think I would have any problems coming up with scenarios to use the time out circle...maybe putting the two kids fighting in it at the same time and have them work their problems out!

    sarsosariATgmailDOTcom

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  31. I follow :)

    sarsosariATgmailDOTcom

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  32. I subscribe :)


    sarsosariATgmailDOTcom

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  33. I love the Seeing Spots Girls Jumper!
    I would use it for time out because my daughter has decided bitting is funny.
    shan_da(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  34. I love the crayon carrier because my kids are always carrying (and losing) crayons around and on the go.
    I would use this time out spot probably on a daily basis. I have a 2 and a 5 y/o and they both have their fair share of time outs!

    jenbutterfly12 at yahoo dot com

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  35. I'm a subscriber.

    jenbutterfly12 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Tweet, Tweet.

    http://twitter.com/jenbutterfly/status/2812578171

    ReplyDelete
  37. I like: Autumn Flowers Pillowcase Dress with Red Ribbon Accent

    I will use the time out mat for my 2 year old. My husband and I have just started talking about starting a time out thing when she's being a fussy butt.

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  38. I like the seeing spots fleece jumper.

    I'd use the time out spot for my son. He has started playing and climbing on the timeout chair we're currently using, so this might work better for him.
    iluvchrisnlevi@aol.com

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  39. I follow your blog.
    I like the time-out circle in purple/polka dots
    I posted your button on my blog

    love your blog

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  40. The Star Super Hero Cape is so cute! I'd use the Timeout Circle for my son when he misbehaves and needs a time out. He's too young for it right now but I'm sure it'll be soon before we need it!

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  41. My favorite is the navy timeout circle. I would use it all.the.time because I have 2 year old twin boys! LOL!!!

    tbonegrl07 at aol dot com

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  42. The red bib with applique pirate hat is cute! I'd use the timeout pad when my daughter does something wrong and need a timeout!

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  43. The STar Superhero cape is one of my favorites.. Thanks!!!
    I also loved the dresses.. too cute

    itsjustmerene2003 at yahoo dot com

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