October 6, 2025 • 19 mins
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In this silly story, Lena has spent more time in time-out than anyone she knows. She’s been sent there for some pretty ridiculous reasons too. But when Lena catches her dad saying a rude word he shouldn’t have, everything changes. Suddenly she’s the one handing out time-outs and her dad is the one sitting on the stairs! At first it’s fun having the power, but then Lena takes things a little too far.
Warning: this goofy story for kids may result in smiles, snorts, and possibly some LOLs. Listen at your own discretion.
To see if the shout-out list is open, visit: lolstorytime.com/shoutouts
Visit lolstorytime.com for merch and other... stuff.
In this silly story, Lena has spent more time in time-out than anyone she knows. She’s been sent there for some pretty ridiculous reasons too. But when Lena catches her dad saying a rude word he shouldn’t have, everything changes. Suddenly she’s the one handing out time-outs and her dad is the one sitting on the stairs! At first it’s fun having the power, but then Lena takes things a little too far.
Warning: this goofy story for kids may result in smiles, snorts, and possibly some LOLs. Listen at your own discretion.
To see if the shout-out list is open, visit: lolstorytime.com/shoutouts
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hellol story time really not a glory time. Rabbis standing,
You'll be fine. Follow the whole storyline, Hellol story Time,
might you live at least one time story? Welcome back
to the show. This is Alowel's Storytime, and today's story
is for anyone who has ever been placed in time
out for something you did not deserve to be in
(00:21):
trouble for, like shaving your brother's head and drying a
mustache on his face using permanent marker, Like did anyone
even explicitly tell you weren't allowed to do that? Anyway?
The title of the story is called Timeout, and this
one features a character named after Lena who listens to
the show with her naughty dog Nelly. Sorry Nelly, they
made me say it. Other shadows this week go out
(00:41):
to Graham b from Toronto, Canada, Judah and Mojave from
Northern California, Hudson Thomas from the United States, torn and
Nina from Arizona, Knocks from Buddha, Texas, Brothers Judge Sutter
and Lewis from North Carolina, Rowan and Quinn from ann Arbor, Michigan,
Kieren So lim Ruaine from Brookline, Massachusetts, and Maverick C
(01:03):
from Simi Valley, California, who listens with his mom and
baby's sister Kenzie More shouts to come next time. But
for now, let's get into the story. This is the
story of a girl who was a little too familiar
with being put in time out. Lena, that's a time
(01:25):
out for you, young lady, is what Lena had heard
her mother say at least a million times. Lena, look
what you've done. Go sit on that chair and think
about your actions. Is what Lena had heard her father
say at least a billion times. Lena, you've left me
no other choice. I'll be keeping you in a recess
for a time out. And that's what she had heard
her teacher say at least a trillion times. It didn't
(01:48):
matter where she was or who she was with, Lena
was always being put in time out. I don't get it.
I spend more time and time out than anyone else.
And for what I mean. Yeah, sometimes I run around
in circles screaming like a bansheet next to people who
are quietly trying to concentrate on their work. But that's
just because I've got a little thing called energy, bro
(02:09):
And yes, sometimes I jump on furniture or tackle my
friends to the ground. But that's just how I get
my exercise. And yeah, there was that time I painted
over top of my cousin's favorite unicorn shirt, but that's
because I'm an artist and let's be real, unicorns were
so last year. But what I'll never understand is why
someone thought to put me in time out for putting
a slice of pizza in the fish tank. What did
(02:31):
people expect me to do? I've tried fish food, and
trust me, that stuff is nasty. Those fish deserve better.
It just never seemed fair for poor Lena. She was
just out there trying to live her best life, and
yet it seemed all people ever wanted to do was
send her to time out. There's not even anything good
to do in timeout, she often complained, like, can't we
(02:52):
at least jazz it up a little bit so it
isn't so boring. One day, after serving yet another time
out for barely any good reason at all, Lena cuddled
up with her dog and had a little cry. You know, Nelly,
someday I wish I were a dog like you. You
do naughty stuff all the time, and nothing ever happens
to you. Like, how many times have I seen you
shrud an entire roll of toilet paper and no one
(03:13):
puts you in time out? Nelly stood up and walked away. Well,
I guess that's why I wish I could just walk
away from time out. Maybe one of these days I'll
run away and join the circus. Bet you, they don't
give timeouts there. No matter how many times Lina was
put in time out, nothing ever seemed to change. It
was always just a matter of time before Lena would
be put back in time out again. One time, Lina
(03:36):
was placed in time out three times in one day,
but it didn't help change her behavior. It just made
her feel like every little thing she did was another
ticket to Boringville. One day, Lina tried to talk to
her dad about it. Lina's dad had been in the
middle of trying to fix a loose board when Lina
crept up from behind. You know, Dad, if you guys
keep putting me in time out, one of these days
(03:57):
I might run away and join the circus. Lena's loud
voice startled her dad, causing him to drop a hammer
on his toe. He yelped and let a word slip
out that Lena had never heard before, dad, What was
that word you just said? Lena's dad was rubbing the
sore spot on his toe. Word. What word? I didn't
say any word. Noticing that Lena was about to open
(04:19):
her mouth to repeat the word back to him, he said, wait,
don't say the word. Just uh, pretend you didn't hear it.
Lena's dad had just made a critical error. Telling a
kid to forget something just makes them remember it even
better if only teachers knew that one simple little trick.
Lena was now very interested, Dad, Are you just saying
(04:40):
that because that word is one of those rude words
mom doesn't like. It was definitely one of those rude
words her mom didn't like. Well, uh, I don't like
that word either. It just slipped out. Okay, Please don't
tell mom you heard me say it. Please, And there
was her dad's second big mistake. Never show a kid
that you're afraid. Lena straightened herself up. Oh, you don't
(05:03):
want me to tell mom about the naughty word? You said, Well,
how do I know you won't use that word again?
You can't expect to use words like that and just
get off scott free. That's going to be a timeout
for you young man, I mean slightly middle aged man,
two minutes on the stairs, and I want you to
think long and hard. Abit a more appropriate word you
can use next time. Lena's dad looked like he had
(05:25):
just been slapped across the face. Uh, excuse me, did
you just put me in time out? You can't put
me in time out? Lena didn't even try to argue, mom.
She called out, come in here. What dad just said?
Lena's dad began frantically waving his hands. No, no, no, no, no,
don't call your mother. You're right, I deserve to have
(05:47):
a time out to think about what I've said. Lena
was astonished. She watched as her dad walked over to
the staircase and plunked himself down on the bottom step
with his elbows on his knees and his chin on
his hands, making a sad, little poudy face. Hmm, said
Lena to herself. That was interesting. As much as Lena
despised timeouts, she had to admit it felt rather good
(06:09):
to put someone else in time out. Maybe her dad
would get a taste of what it was really like.
At school. The next day, Lena's teacher asked why she
hadn't completed her homework. All of the other students had
handed their work in, everyone except Lena. Well, you see, miss,
I wasn't able to finish my homework because I was
too busy getting my dad in trouble. This caught the
(06:30):
attention of every single student in class. Lena, did you
just say you were too busy getting your dad in trouble?
Can kids even do that? Lena had the look of
someone who had all the confidence in the world. Of course,
kids can do that, she answered, all cool and smooth.
So all you grown ups better take notice, because I'm
watching and I'm listening, and that includes you too. Miss
(06:53):
Lena's classmates were loving this. They chimed in with a
dramatic ooh, someone in trouble. Her teacher looked slightly uncomfortable. Well, Lena,
that was your third time having failed to complete your
homework this month, so you know what that means. Lena
wasn't looking so tough now, Ah, doesn't mean you'd like
(07:14):
to say a rude word out loud, because I've got
just the place for you if you do. Lena's teacher
would never dare. It means you'll be staying in for
recess to finish your work. Lena hated the stay in
for recess timeouts a timeout where you also had to
do work gross, and now all of her classmates were
giving her that someone's in trouble. That night, Lena started
(07:41):
watching her father like a hawk. At one point, she
caught him making a pretty big mess, but lucky for him,
he remembered to clean it up. Another time, he burped
really loudly, but he did the polite thing and said
excuse me. Lena's dog, Nelly, on the other hand, jumped
up on the table and stole her dessert. Hey, Nelly,
that was a naughty thing. You just did a very
naughty thing. That's gonna be a timeout for you. Dog. Wait,
(08:04):
where are you going? Dog? Come back here? Dog? Why
are you running away from me? Dog? You're not coming back,
are you. It didn't seem as though Lena would be
teaching anyone a lesson that night, But then just before bed,
Lena passed through the kitchen and caught her dad doing
a no, no, dad, are you drinking straight from the
curtain of juice. Having thought he was alone, Lena's dad
(08:27):
nearly flung the container of juice in the air. Ah
what are you doing here? I thought everyone was in bed?
Lena started tapping her fingernails on the kitchen counter. You
didn't answer my question, Dad, Well, uh, like, yeah, I
was drinking straight from the cartin. But nbd, girl, no
big deal. Would mom think that it's no big deal
(08:48):
to be drinking straight from the carton? Weird sounds started
coming from her father's mouth. Well, uh, but uh, you know,
I think she'd be okay with it. It was the
last little bit at the bottom. I don't think she
minds if it's just the last little bit at the bottom.
Lena was looking like someone totally in charge. Well let's
(09:09):
find out, shall we. Mom, Wait, don't call your mother
in here. You were right. I shouldn't have been drinking
from the curtain. It won't happen again. So, uh, you're
not gonna, you know, make me sit in time out again,
are you? Lena didn't even have to say it. Her
face said it all. Oh man, what a total bust.
(09:32):
So unfair. Timeouts are so boring. Lena went to bed
that night feeling pretty pleased with herself. Nelly, the dog,
who had totally gotten out of serving his time out,
was feeling pretty pleased with himself too. Over the days
that followed, Lena started getting better at noticing her father's
little slip ups. A rude word here, a broken rule there?
(09:53):
Did the guy seriously think he could get away with
leaving a pile of dirty laundry on the floor right
next to the laundry basket? And come on, not replacing
the toilet paper roll. You can't just leave the next
person with an empty roll. That's a serious crime, right there, Dad.
I know you've been having a tough week, but come on, guy,
you put an empty box of crackers back in the cupboard.
(10:13):
And earlier today I saw that you left the toilet
set up. Another rude standing word Lena had never heard
before slipped out from under her father's breath. And what
did I just hear you say? You've just bought yourself
a triple time out, buckaroo. Every time Lena's father would
try to weasel his way out of it, oh, come on,
not another chime out, No way, no fear. It was
(10:36):
barely anything. And every time Lina would respond, would mom
agree it was barely anything. Let's find out, shall we? No? No, no,
let's not ask her. Okay, I just forgot this time,
Please nut another time out. I'll do better, well, Lina
was no softy. When you start doing better, Dad, that's
(10:57):
when you'll see the timelets disappear. But until then, off
you go twenty minutes and you're lucky. I'm not making
it longer. Sometimes Lina and her father would find themselves
in time out together, both complaining about how unfair it was.
Had always made sense to Lena why her dad should
be in timeout, but why did she have to be
there too? This time? All she had done was give
Nelly the dog a haircut. Those patchy spots would grow
(11:21):
back as the days passed. The timeouts continued and continued,
and continued, until one day when Lena couldn't find her father.
She had been searching for him everywhere. He had left
a dirty plate next to the sink for three straight days.
Whenever food had once been on there had now become
one with the plate. Come out, Come out, wherever you are.
(11:43):
I'm pretty sure you know what this is about, and
hiding from me will only make your problem worse. After
a while, Lena gave up and returned to her bedroom,
and that's where she saw it. There on her bed
was a note and on that note was a message, Lena,
it's me. You're Dad. You may already know by now,
but I've had to leave home. There was just no
(12:04):
way I was going to be able to clean that
plate I left sitting in the kitchen. The food was
literally cemented onto it, and I just couldn't face being
given another time out. So I knew it was time
for me to go. All those timeouts had become too
much to bear. I'll be back just as soon as
I figure out how to stop myself from getting in trouble.
Love always, Dad. Well, Lena had not seen this coming,
(12:27):
and apparently neither had her mother. Lena, Lina, have you
seen your father anywhere? Oh? Oh? Lena threw the note
under her pillow and met her mother at her bedroom door.
Oh hi, mom, who did you say you were looking
for your father? I'm looking for your father. Have you
seen him? Lena tried to make herself look as confused
(12:50):
as possible. My father? Do we have one of those
around here? Are you sure you're not talking about the dog.
Lena's mother wasn't up for playing games, Lena, I don't
have time for this. Have you seen your father or
haven't you? Oh? My father said Lena, like she had
finally now made the connection. Now, I don't think i've
(13:11):
seen that guy. Probably just stepped out to do dad
stuff for a little while or a few months. Well,
if you see him, tell him I'm looking for him.
I don't appreciate it when he goes out without telling
me where he's going. Lena's mom started to leave, but
then came back and may I ask why you're dressed
in a uniform right now? You remind me of a
police officer. Lena lowered her aviator sunglasses and forced a smile. Well,
(13:37):
you know, it's just what you wear when you're busy
making sure everyone is obeying the rules. Lena closed the
bedroom door after her mother left. This was bad. Not
only had Lena pushed her dad to the brink with
all those timeouts, but he also wasn't planning on coming
back until he figured out how to stop getting timeouts.
Lena had spent most of her life trying to figure
out how to stop getting timeouts, and she still didn't
(13:59):
know how. Lena thought she knew exactly where to find
her father, but every time she checked, he wasn't there.
I don't get it. I've looked in the garage at
least thirty times. Now where else did dad's even go?
And then it hit her there actually was one other
place where dads were known to go. What he isn't
in the basement either, But those are the only two
(14:21):
places dads don't know any other places. It wasn't until
the next time she was putting time out that she
finally figured it out. Ah, man, I can't believe I'm
in time out again. The carpet in our house has
never looked better now that it's covered in glitter. I
just don't get it. You know, one of these days,
I'm totally going to run away and join the circus.
(14:42):
Wait a second, the circus. My dad has run away
to join the circus. Lena had threatened to run away
and joined the circus many times before, but the fear
of being selected to squeeze into one of those tiny
little clown cars with twenty other clowns always kept her
from doing so. You know, that would be just my luck,
she would always say. A lot was happening at the
(15:03):
circus when Lena arrived. People were moving all over the
place getting ready for the show. Performers were practicing, and
others were sorting out costumes and make up. Lena even
saw the ring master who was trying to teach one
of the new guys how to squeeze into a clown car.
The new guy was Lena's dad. Dad, cried Lina. Lena
(15:25):
hollered her dad. He asked the ring master to give
him a minute to speak with his daughter. How did
you know I'd be here, he asked, while giving his
daughter a gigantic hug. Lena laughed, It's just what everyone
thinks about when they're stuck in time out. Now it
was her dad's turn to laugh, Huh, Well, I suppose
you're right. But here's the thing. Those timeouts they weren't working.
(15:47):
No matter how many timeouts you gave me, I still
kept getting in trouble. So here I am trying something else.
At the circus, people have my back. They're willing to
teach me things. They actually want to help keep me
out of trouble. Plus, I have one of the most
important jobs at the circus, and the best part no timeouts.
The ring master honked the horn of the clown car
(16:08):
to grab Lena's father's attention. Time to get back to work,
Daddy O or instead of putting you in a clown car,
we'll be putting you in timeout. Lena grabbed her dad
by the shoulders. Dad, the circus won't help keep you
out of trouble, and neither will timeouts. I've been getting
time outs my entire life, and look how well that's
worked out for me. We do have to try something new,
(16:28):
but the circus isn't it. Lena's dad gave her another hug. Girl.
I think I needed to hear that more than you
could ever know. I just can't fathom how on earth
I was ever gonna fit inside that car with twenty
other clowns. I don't even think i'd fit in there
by myself. Lena and her father started walking home together.
You know, Lena, I've been hearing good things about breathing exercises,
(16:52):
you know, like taking slow, deep breaths to help relax
your mind. Lena had heard about this. Yeah, so the
next time I'm about to draw a mustache on someone
with a permanent marker, I'll just pause and start taking
really deep breasts and that should totally stop me from
doing it. The two of them laughed. They may not
have known what was going to help keep them out
(17:12):
of trouble yet, but they vowed to try something different
and stop with the timeouts. Only it didn't seem as
though Lena's mother was on board. Where have you two been?
Both of you just left without telling me where you
were going. I've been worried sick about you two. Do
you know how many times I check the garage and basement. Well,
the two of you have both bought yourselves a super timeout.
(17:34):
I'll be taking so much time you won't even remember
what time even was. Lena and her dad both looked
at each other. Uh, Mom, maybe you haven't heard yet,
but Dad and I don't do timeouts anymore. We've decided
it's a bit ridiculous to repeat the same thing over
and over when it's clearly not helping. We're not saying
we don't need to do better, but timeouts are not
the answer for us. Lena's dad nodded, But they could
(17:57):
be the answer for you, dear. Trying to out super
timeouts instead of exploring other methods kind of sounds like
you need a little time and time out. Lena was giggling,
but her mother sure wasn't. She struggled to make it
to the end of just a simple two minute timeout. Guys,
this is so boring. If I have to do another
minute of this, I'm gonna leave this house and join
the circus. And that's how Lena's mother agreed to put
(18:21):
an end to timeouts for everyone. You know, guys, there
is this other thing we could try. I've been hearing
lots about breathing exercises. Apparently taking slow, deep breaths can work.
Wonders the end. That's the story Anna. As always, I
(18:42):
hope you enjoyed it. Question of the week, what's the
silliest thing you've ever gotten in trouble for Well, that's
a wrap on this week's episode. Thanks for listening, and
I'll catch you on the next one.
Hellol story time really not a glory time. Rabbis standing,
You'll be fine. Follow the whole storyline, Hellol story Time,
might you live at least one time story? Welcome back
to the show. This is Alowel's Storytime, and today's story
is for anyone who has ever been placed in time
out for something you did not deserve to be in
(00:21):
trouble for, like shaving your brother's head and drying a
mustache on his face using permanent marker, Like did anyone
even explicitly tell you weren't allowed to do that? Anyway?
The title of the story is called Timeout, and this
one features a character named after Lena who listens to
the show with her naughty dog Nelly. Sorry Nelly, they
made me say it. Other shadows this week go out
(00:41):
to Graham b from Toronto, Canada, Judah and Mojave from
Northern California, Hudson Thomas from the United States, torn and
Nina from Arizona, Knocks from Buddha, Texas, Brothers Judge Sutter
and Lewis from North Carolina, Rowan and Quinn from ann Arbor, Michigan,
Kieren So lim Ruaine from Brookline, Massachusetts, and Maverick C
(01:03):
from Simi Valley, California, who listens with his mom and
baby's sister Kenzie More shouts to come next time. But
for now, let's get into the story. This is the
story of a girl who was a little too familiar
with being put in time out. Lena, that's a time
(01:25):
out for you, young lady, is what Lena had heard
her mother say at least a million times. Lena, look
what you've done. Go sit on that chair and think
about your actions. Is what Lena had heard her father
say at least a billion times. Lena, you've left me
no other choice. I'll be keeping you in a recess
for a time out. And that's what she had heard
her teacher say at least a trillion times. It didn't
(01:48):
matter where she was or who she was with, Lena
was always being put in time out. I don't get it.
I spend more time and time out than anyone else.
And for what I mean. Yeah, sometimes I run around
in circles screaming like a bansheet next to people who
are quietly trying to concentrate on their work. But that's
just because I've got a little thing called energy, bro
(02:09):
And yes, sometimes I jump on furniture or tackle my
friends to the ground. But that's just how I get
my exercise. And yeah, there was that time I painted
over top of my cousin's favorite unicorn shirt, but that's
because I'm an artist and let's be real, unicorns were
so last year. But what I'll never understand is why
someone thought to put me in time out for putting
a slice of pizza in the fish tank. What did
(02:31):
people expect me to do? I've tried fish food, and
trust me, that stuff is nasty. Those fish deserve better.
It just never seemed fair for poor Lena. She was
just out there trying to live her best life, and
yet it seemed all people ever wanted to do was
send her to time out. There's not even anything good
to do in timeout, she often complained, like, can't we
(02:52):
at least jazz it up a little bit so it
isn't so boring. One day, after serving yet another time
out for barely any good reason at all, Lena cuddled
up with her dog and had a little cry. You know, Nelly,
someday I wish I were a dog like you. You
do naughty stuff all the time, and nothing ever happens
to you. Like, how many times have I seen you
shrud an entire roll of toilet paper and no one
(03:13):
puts you in time out? Nelly stood up and walked away. Well,
I guess that's why I wish I could just walk
away from time out. Maybe one of these days I'll
run away and join the circus. Bet you, they don't
give timeouts there. No matter how many times Lina was
put in time out, nothing ever seemed to change. It
was always just a matter of time before Lena would
be put back in time out again. One time, Lina
(03:36):
was placed in time out three times in one day,
but it didn't help change her behavior. It just made
her feel like every little thing she did was another
ticket to Boringville. One day, Lina tried to talk to
her dad about it. Lina's dad had been in the
middle of trying to fix a loose board when Lina
crept up from behind. You know, Dad, if you guys
keep putting me in time out, one of these days
(03:57):
I might run away and join the circus. Lena's loud
voice startled her dad, causing him to drop a hammer
on his toe. He yelped and let a word slip
out that Lena had never heard before, dad, What was
that word you just said? Lena's dad was rubbing the
sore spot on his toe. Word. What word? I didn't
say any word. Noticing that Lena was about to open
(04:19):
her mouth to repeat the word back to him, he said, wait,
don't say the word. Just uh, pretend you didn't hear it.
Lena's dad had just made a critical error. Telling a
kid to forget something just makes them remember it even
better if only teachers knew that one simple little trick.
Lena was now very interested, Dad, Are you just saying
(04:40):
that because that word is one of those rude words
mom doesn't like. It was definitely one of those rude
words her mom didn't like. Well, uh, I don't like
that word either. It just slipped out. Okay, Please don't
tell mom you heard me say it. Please, And there
was her dad's second big mistake. Never show a kid
that you're afraid. Lena straightened herself up. Oh, you don't
(05:03):
want me to tell mom about the naughty word? You said, Well,
how do I know you won't use that word again?
You can't expect to use words like that and just
get off scott free. That's going to be a timeout
for you young man, I mean slightly middle aged man,
two minutes on the stairs, and I want you to
think long and hard. Abit a more appropriate word you
can use next time. Lena's dad looked like he had
(05:25):
just been slapped across the face. Uh, excuse me, did
you just put me in time out? You can't put
me in time out? Lena didn't even try to argue, mom.
She called out, come in here. What dad just said?
Lena's dad began frantically waving his hands. No, no, no, no, no,
don't call your mother. You're right, I deserve to have
(05:47):
a time out to think about what I've said. Lena
was astonished. She watched as her dad walked over to
the staircase and plunked himself down on the bottom step
with his elbows on his knees and his chin on
his hands, making a sad, little poudy face. Hmm, said
Lena to herself. That was interesting. As much as Lena
despised timeouts, she had to admit it felt rather good
(06:09):
to put someone else in time out. Maybe her dad
would get a taste of what it was really like.
At school. The next day, Lena's teacher asked why she
hadn't completed her homework. All of the other students had
handed their work in, everyone except Lena. Well, you see, miss,
I wasn't able to finish my homework because I was
too busy getting my dad in trouble. This caught the
(06:30):
attention of every single student in class. Lena, did you
just say you were too busy getting your dad in trouble?
Can kids even do that? Lena had the look of
someone who had all the confidence in the world. Of course,
kids can do that, she answered, all cool and smooth.
So all you grown ups better take notice, because I'm
watching and I'm listening, and that includes you too. Miss
(06:53):
Lena's classmates were loving this. They chimed in with a
dramatic ooh, someone in trouble. Her teacher looked slightly uncomfortable. Well, Lena,
that was your third time having failed to complete your
homework this month, so you know what that means. Lena
wasn't looking so tough now, Ah, doesn't mean you'd like
(07:14):
to say a rude word out loud, because I've got
just the place for you if you do. Lena's teacher
would never dare. It means you'll be staying in for
recess to finish your work. Lena hated the stay in
for recess timeouts a timeout where you also had to
do work gross, and now all of her classmates were
giving her that someone's in trouble. That night, Lena started
(07:41):
watching her father like a hawk. At one point, she
caught him making a pretty big mess, but lucky for him,
he remembered to clean it up. Another time, he burped
really loudly, but he did the polite thing and said
excuse me. Lena's dog, Nelly, on the other hand, jumped
up on the table and stole her dessert. Hey, Nelly,
that was a naughty thing. You just did a very
naughty thing. That's gonna be a timeout for you. Dog. Wait,
(08:04):
where are you going? Dog? Come back here? Dog? Why
are you running away from me? Dog? You're not coming back,
are you. It didn't seem as though Lena would be
teaching anyone a lesson that night, But then just before bed,
Lena passed through the kitchen and caught her dad doing
a no, no, dad, are you drinking straight from the
curtain of juice. Having thought he was alone, Lena's dad
(08:27):
nearly flung the container of juice in the air. Ah
what are you doing here? I thought everyone was in bed?
Lena started tapping her fingernails on the kitchen counter. You
didn't answer my question, Dad, Well, uh, like, yeah, I
was drinking straight from the cartin. But nbd, girl, no
big deal. Would mom think that it's no big deal
(08:48):
to be drinking straight from the carton? Weird sounds started
coming from her father's mouth. Well, uh, but uh, you know,
I think she'd be okay with it. It was the
last little bit at the bottom. I don't think she
minds if it's just the last little bit at the bottom.
Lena was looking like someone totally in charge. Well let's
(09:09):
find out, shall we. Mom, Wait, don't call your mother
in here. You were right. I shouldn't have been drinking
from the curtain. It won't happen again. So, uh, you're
not gonna, you know, make me sit in time out again,
are you? Lena didn't even have to say it. Her
face said it all. Oh man, what a total bust.
(09:32):
So unfair. Timeouts are so boring. Lena went to bed
that night feeling pretty pleased with herself. Nelly, the dog,
who had totally gotten out of serving his time out,
was feeling pretty pleased with himself too. Over the days
that followed, Lena started getting better at noticing her father's
little slip ups. A rude word here, a broken rule there?
(09:53):
Did the guy seriously think he could get away with
leaving a pile of dirty laundry on the floor right
next to the laundry basket? And come on, not replacing
the toilet paper roll. You can't just leave the next
person with an empty roll. That's a serious crime, right there, Dad.
I know you've been having a tough week, but come on, guy,
you put an empty box of crackers back in the cupboard.
(10:13):
And earlier today I saw that you left the toilet
set up. Another rude standing word Lena had never heard
before slipped out from under her father's breath. And what
did I just hear you say? You've just bought yourself
a triple time out, buckaroo. Every time Lena's father would
try to weasel his way out of it, oh, come on,
not another chime out, No way, no fear. It was
(10:36):
barely anything. And every time Lina would respond, would mom
agree it was barely anything. Let's find out, shall we? No? No, no,
let's not ask her. Okay, I just forgot this time,
Please nut another time out. I'll do better, well, Lina
was no softy. When you start doing better, Dad, that's
(10:57):
when you'll see the timelets disappear. But until then, off
you go twenty minutes and you're lucky. I'm not making
it longer. Sometimes Lina and her father would find themselves
in time out together, both complaining about how unfair it was.
Had always made sense to Lena why her dad should
be in timeout, but why did she have to be
there too? This time? All she had done was give
Nelly the dog a haircut. Those patchy spots would grow
(11:21):
back as the days passed. The timeouts continued and continued,
and continued, until one day when Lena couldn't find her father.
She had been searching for him everywhere. He had left
a dirty plate next to the sink for three straight days.
Whenever food had once been on there had now become
one with the plate. Come out, Come out, wherever you are.
(11:43):
I'm pretty sure you know what this is about, and
hiding from me will only make your problem worse. After
a while, Lena gave up and returned to her bedroom,
and that's where she saw it. There on her bed
was a note and on that note was a message, Lena,
it's me. You're Dad. You may already know by now,
but I've had to leave home. There was just no
(12:04):
way I was going to be able to clean that
plate I left sitting in the kitchen. The food was
literally cemented onto it, and I just couldn't face being
given another time out. So I knew it was time
for me to go. All those timeouts had become too
much to bear. I'll be back just as soon as
I figure out how to stop myself from getting in trouble.
Love always, Dad. Well, Lena had not seen this coming,
(12:27):
and apparently neither had her mother. Lena, Lina, have you
seen your father anywhere? Oh? Oh? Lena threw the note
under her pillow and met her mother at her bedroom door.
Oh hi, mom, who did you say you were looking
for your father? I'm looking for your father. Have you
seen him? Lena tried to make herself look as confused
(12:50):
as possible. My father? Do we have one of those
around here? Are you sure you're not talking about the dog.
Lena's mother wasn't up for playing games, Lena, I don't
have time for this. Have you seen your father or
haven't you? Oh? My father said Lena, like she had
finally now made the connection. Now, I don't think i've
(13:11):
seen that guy. Probably just stepped out to do dad
stuff for a little while or a few months. Well,
if you see him, tell him I'm looking for him.
I don't appreciate it when he goes out without telling
me where he's going. Lena's mom started to leave, but
then came back and may I ask why you're dressed
in a uniform right now? You remind me of a
police officer. Lena lowered her aviator sunglasses and forced a smile. Well,
(13:37):
you know, it's just what you wear when you're busy
making sure everyone is obeying the rules. Lena closed the
bedroom door after her mother left. This was bad. Not
only had Lena pushed her dad to the brink with
all those timeouts, but he also wasn't planning on coming
back until he figured out how to stop getting timeouts.
Lena had spent most of her life trying to figure
out how to stop getting timeouts, and she still didn't
(13:59):
know how. Lena thought she knew exactly where to find
her father, but every time she checked, he wasn't there.
I don't get it. I've looked in the garage at
least thirty times. Now where else did dad's even go?
And then it hit her there actually was one other
place where dads were known to go. What he isn't
in the basement either, But those are the only two
(14:21):
places dads don't know any other places. It wasn't until
the next time she was putting time out that she
finally figured it out. Ah, man, I can't believe I'm
in time out again. The carpet in our house has
never looked better now that it's covered in glitter. I
just don't get it. You know, one of these days,
I'm totally going to run away and join the circus.
(14:42):
Wait a second, the circus. My dad has run away
to join the circus. Lena had threatened to run away
and joined the circus many times before, but the fear
of being selected to squeeze into one of those tiny
little clown cars with twenty other clowns always kept her
from doing so. You know, that would be just my luck,
she would always say. A lot was happening at the
(15:03):
circus when Lena arrived. People were moving all over the
place getting ready for the show. Performers were practicing, and
others were sorting out costumes and make up. Lena even
saw the ring master who was trying to teach one
of the new guys how to squeeze into a clown car.
The new guy was Lena's dad. Dad, cried Lina. Lena
(15:25):
hollered her dad. He asked the ring master to give
him a minute to speak with his daughter. How did
you know I'd be here, he asked, while giving his
daughter a gigantic hug. Lena laughed, It's just what everyone
thinks about when they're stuck in time out. Now it
was her dad's turn to laugh, Huh, Well, I suppose
you're right. But here's the thing. Those timeouts they weren't working.
(15:47):
No matter how many timeouts you gave me, I still
kept getting in trouble. So here I am trying something else.
At the circus, people have my back. They're willing to
teach me things. They actually want to help keep me
out of trouble. Plus, I have one of the most
important jobs at the circus, and the best part no timeouts.
The ring master honked the horn of the clown car
(16:08):
to grab Lena's father's attention. Time to get back to work,
Daddy O or instead of putting you in a clown car,
we'll be putting you in timeout. Lena grabbed her dad
by the shoulders. Dad, the circus won't help keep you
out of trouble, and neither will timeouts. I've been getting
time outs my entire life, and look how well that's
worked out for me. We do have to try something new,
(16:28):
but the circus isn't it. Lena's dad gave her another hug. Girl.
I think I needed to hear that more than you
could ever know. I just can't fathom how on earth
I was ever gonna fit inside that car with twenty
other clowns. I don't even think i'd fit in there
by myself. Lena and her father started walking home together.
You know, Lena, I've been hearing good things about breathing exercises,
(16:52):
you know, like taking slow, deep breaths to help relax
your mind. Lena had heard about this. Yeah, so the
next time I'm about to draw a mustache on someone
with a permanent marker, I'll just pause and start taking
really deep breasts and that should totally stop me from
doing it. The two of them laughed. They may not
have known what was going to help keep them out
(17:12):
of trouble yet, but they vowed to try something different
and stop with the timeouts. Only it didn't seem as
though Lena's mother was on board. Where have you two been?
Both of you just left without telling me where you
were going. I've been worried sick about you two. Do
you know how many times I check the garage and basement. Well,
the two of you have both bought yourselves a super timeout.
(17:34):
I'll be taking so much time you won't even remember
what time even was. Lena and her dad both looked
at each other. Uh, Mom, maybe you haven't heard yet,
but Dad and I don't do timeouts anymore. We've decided
it's a bit ridiculous to repeat the same thing over
and over when it's clearly not helping. We're not saying
we don't need to do better, but timeouts are not
the answer for us. Lena's dad nodded, But they could
(17:57):
be the answer for you, dear. Trying to out super
timeouts instead of exploring other methods kind of sounds like
you need a little time and time out. Lena was giggling,
but her mother sure wasn't. She struggled to make it
to the end of just a simple two minute timeout. Guys,
this is so boring. If I have to do another
minute of this, I'm gonna leave this house and join
the circus. And that's how Lena's mother agreed to put
(18:21):
an end to timeouts for everyone. You know, guys, there
is this other thing we could try. I've been hearing
lots about breathing exercises. Apparently taking slow, deep breaths can work.
Wonders the end. That's the story Anna. As always, I
(18:42):
hope you enjoyed it. Question of the week, what's the
silliest thing you've ever gotten in trouble for Well, that's
a wrap on this week's episode. Thanks for listening, and
I'll catch you on the next one.
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