Yeah that's how I see it Mayaness, using 1,2,3 time out as a warning and break from the situation for everyone to have a breather (including me sometimes! ).

Although, I've eased off on the explanations because at age 3, they just go over DS's head. I started off using a 'time-out' corner (don't like using the term 'naughty corner' bit too negative for me) but just ended up getting frustrated when he wouldn't stay there. Sending him to his room where he can read a book, play with some lego or another toy, etc seems to be quite effective. Or instead of time out I do an alternative like no lego for one day or we won't be going to the park this afternoon, kinda like removal of priveleges.

If it's something serious like fighting, hitting, etc then I give the explanation. But if it's something like climbing up the kitchen drawers for example, he's been told many times not to do it so I don't give any explanation, just a warning. The extent of my explanations come with the initial "that's 1". For example, "Stop running through the house it's dangerous if you bump into someone or something - that's 1". If he doesn't stop, I just say "that's 2", and then if he still doesn't stop "That's 3 - time out". DS gets 3 minutes (one minute for each year of age), which seems to be ample time for him.

And for every negative action I give (like every time out) I try and make sure I give at least 5 positive reinforcements like praising, etc. Some days it just seems like you're saying no to them all day long and it can become quite depressing constantly saying no and stop so making sure we have lots of praise and fun and thank you's and showing appreciation makes for happier days and (hopefully) a good relationship with each other.