The Naughty Corner

It's been a long week. I've lost my patience quickly, used unkind words, raised my voice, and "made a bad choice"(as I have been told by my 3 year-old) on more than one occasion. I think over the past three days I have been sent to The Naughty Corner at least five times. I believe in The Naughty Corner, it's a great way to take a break from a situation that is spiraling out of control. When I instituted the practice of sending my child there, it didn't occur to me that I too would be spending my fair share of time there. What I like best about being sent there is listening to Alex, in a patient yet firm tone, tell me "Mommy, you need to go to The Naughty Corner right now. You a) did not make a good choice b) used a bad word c) are being too loud. I'll tell you when you can get out." Today when I tried to talk him out of making me go by quickly apologizing to my brother Nate (who was on the phone and who I had just told to Shut-up! Alex was firm. I had to go. And when my time was up he came and gave me a big hug and said "That's better!"