I've done the professionals training and I reckon its great some people might disagree with the expectations, but essentially you make it quite clear before you start what you expect from your child, and then they know what they are supposed to do... so when you start counting you don't have to explain things.... As we can get caught up in the explanation sometimes when kids are not ready to hear it. 123 magic provides a simple strategy for parents so its easy to remember when you are stressed. But it does use time out - in that you take away your attention and/or send them to their room. Some people don't like that kind of strategy. But you do whatever works for you I reckon its you are struggling, give it a go but read the book or watch the DVDs as its more than just counting, you have to set it up properly so its quite clear what you all expect.