Rules of Engagement

Yesterday's corner time: 6 Minutes.

Under 10 minutes yesterday, so I must have been quite good.

So, what are the rules of engagement concerning corner time?

Well, if I'm slightly naughty, I normally get a warning or a threat of going into the corner. My parents will normally go through the process of counting to three to give me some time to repent. I will normally apologise in between the count of 2.5 and 2.75 - never before.

If I'm feeling particularly stubborn, then I won't apologise and I get placed in the corner for 1 - 2 minutes or until I apologise with enough sincerity to convince my parents that I'm a reformed character.

Slightly naughty may consist of shouting too much, answering back, swearing or being generally rude. I'm starting to pick up quite a few swear words now, mostly off my Dad, so I think being punished for this is particularly unfair.

If I'm very naughty, my parents normally dispense with the niceties and escort me directly to the corner. I won't be released for three minutes in these situations. My Dad times it by looking at his watch.

Very naughty consists of hitting people - my friends, my parents or Becca, my sister.

Becca is very annoying, so again I think being penalized for hitting her is a bit harsh. I need to be more sneaky about this.

My Dad has the "Art of War" on his bookshelf. I'm almost tall enough to reach it and when I can, Becca had better watch out.

Matthew.