over. With this routine, at the point where the third time-out would be
assigned, instead of sending your child to the room again, both kids
must now leave the house for a specified time (assuming the weather
isn’t nasty) and play outside. This variation of the 1-2-3 is very
popular in southern California.
Quik TipIf your child looks at you and says, “It’s so embarrassing when you count me in
front of my friends!” you simply reply, “If you don’t want to be embarrassed, you
can behave.”Or—even better—1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, then send them over to the
other kid’s house to play. I’ve done it!
Other adults: If you have other adults over at your home, you will
probably feel considerably more nervous counting your child. This
discomfort is normal. Although you may feel a little self-conscious at
first, you’ll soon get used to doing the 1-2-3 method under these
circumstances. So count! If you don’t take the plunge, your children
will sense that you are much easier prey when other people are
around.
On the other hand, when you count in front of another parent,
something surprising may happen that you will enjoy. For example,
imagine you’re talking to a friend and your child rudely and loudly