The "time out" chair is a very popular tool to modify behavior. Many people say to use the age of the child to determine the amount of time spent in isolation. Isolation. Really? What does isolation do to modify behavior? Yes, some believe in "talking to your child" about their behavior AFTER their sentence, but (by this time) the child is willing to feign attention to just about anything to get out of this dreaded chair.
It is my belief that this tool for modification is useless and imposes fear, but not the issue at hand. Sometimes children even begin to enjoy the chair/corner and provoke a response leading to their solitary confinement--especially if only for a few minutes. They understand (through conditioning) that this brief PUNISHMENT often leads to a lengthy "Danny Tanner" moment when Mom and/or Dad is focused exclusively on them--getting the attention they desired initially.
Instead of using the chair, implement a structured system early on and adhere to it--not matter how inconvenient. Allow the child to determine if the action is worth the consequence, whatever it may be. BUT, make your consequences RELEVANT and concrete. Be consistent so the child knows what to expect and can negotitate in his or head to determine worth.
Before you develop such a system, ensure you are celebrating desired behaviors! Internally, children are negotiating outcomes (Positive & Negative). If only negative behaviors are identified and addressed, you will only receive negative behaviors. Celebrate the positive and you will receive positive, I promise.
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