Time Outs

We decided quite a while ago to use time outs instead of spanking. Lately, I have taken to counting to 3 as a warning to William. That way, he knows when he is on the verge of a time out and has an opportunity to change his behavior to avoid one. Well, there have been a couple of unexpected repercussions from this added counting bit. Whenever I start counting (even to practice his numbers), William now thinks that he is headed for a time out. I have to tell him that he isn't in trouble and that Mommy is just counting for fun.

The second unexpected thing happened tonight at dinner. William was getting a little squirrely and I asked him if he wanted a time out. As is typical, he said, "No. No time out." However, he continued to play with his food. So, I started counting.

Me: One...
William: No one!
Me: Two...
William: NO TWO!

By this point, I stopped counting. I had to turn my head away from William. I was trying really hard not to laugh and I didn't want him to see me. Thankfully, Allen stepped in and continued the conversation in an appropriately stern voice.

Hmm...Maybe I need to rethink this idea of counting down the time outs. Any suggestions?