When you do use a time-out, do it because you understand the child needs it and not because you're angry. Also be sure the length of the time-out is appropriate and clearly communicated to the child. It hurts other children when they're kicked. You need to sit alone for five minutes. Then you'll be able to come back to the group.
Time alone gives the child a chance to calm down then rejoin the activity.
Another way to help children gain control is to redirect them to another activity. This allows the child to get away from the problem situation and yet still have something constructive to do. Redirecting children may be preferable to time-outs in many situations. Children who view time-out as a punishment may not use the situation as you intend. Rather than calming down or reflecting on how he or she should behave, the child may spend the time figuring out how to get even.