time out

it starts off like this. 

hayden does something he isnt supposed to do. (hits, temper tantrum, doesnt listen, ....there are lots of things to chose from). 

i give him the benefit of the doubt; unless of course, he continues this behavior...(which he ALWAYS does!)

me:  "hayden....you arent listening to mommie. youre getting a time out in your chair!"

hayden:  "okay mommie."

(i put him in chair, or he gets on it himself. it depends on wether he is crying or not)

hayden:  "how many minutes, mom?"

me:  "5 minutes!"

hayden:  "NO! " (makes scowling face. sometimes with tears running down it) "20 minutes" 

me:  "20 minutes?"

hayden: "NO! 20 minutes, plus 9, plus 4 minutes!!!!"

i walk away laughing to myself...but also annoyed because he doesnt "get" the whole punishment thing. it usually just annoys me more and i wind up being punished! i think he has a future in debate tactics. everyone knows a nonchalant and flippant attitude just pisses people off even more.