Often conflicts can escalate to the point where either or both partners become so heated that they are no longer problem-solving, just blaming, name-calling, and defending. The TIME-OUT PROCEDURE is a mutual code to take a break from the conflict and settle down for a few minutes, while still making a commitment to return to the issue when cooler heads prevail. This handout lists some guidelines to make sure this break is clearly and safely structured for the whole family.
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