Time Out Is Preferable

(I have asked my four- and two-year-old children to clean up their toys in the family room. My two-year-old repeatedly refuses to help clean up, so I send her to her room. When she comes back out, this exchange happens.)

Me: “Hi, [Daughter]. Are you ready to help your brother clean up?”

Daughter: *pauses, and shakes her head* “No. Room.”

(She put herself back in time out again. I made sure she helped next time she came out.)