Description of discipline technique:
For time out, instead of sitting in a specific chair or going to their room, you sit with the toddler, discuss why the behavior was bad, wrong, not acceptable, etc., then count, let's say from 1-20 or 1-40 (depending upon how much they can count), and say the ABC's, then the punishment is over.

Appropriate age group(s):
18 months to 4 years

Other suggestions or comments:
Shoe laces--the rule is, my 2 1/2 & 3 1/2 year olds practice with one shoe (start with the knot of course), and I do the other. Count from 1-5.
When my kids don't listen, I give them the 5 second count before they get a slap on the bummy. It works very well.
Getting dressed to go outside (especially in the winter) I say, "Mommy is starting to yell a bit too often, that means it's time to go outside. We've been couped up in the house."
Brushing their teeth--also count each quadrant from 1-10 which gives them an idea of how long it takes, and when they're brushing independently, they'll be able to take their time with it and not rush.
Bath--if the child becomes squirmish when shampooing their hair, try counting from 1-10 while rinsing.