Timeout

We use timeout for hitting, throwing things, using something as a weapon. It's rare that our girl is in timeout. We explain to her what timeout is and what it means. She has a special spot to go.

Today she threw her book at our cat, so she sat in time out. Well this became a power struggle between me and her because she kept getting back up, running away and giggling. I kept putting her in the spot and told her that I will tell her when it's time to get up. Then I would keep washing the dishes, trying to ignore her.

But she continued to get up and run away and I eventually lost my cool and popped her and sat her back in timeout. I went back to washing my dishes. She sat there longer that time. But only for about 15 seconds. Then she ran into the living room, giggling. She thinks it's a game.

I already hated that I lost my cool and popped her, so I ignored the fact that she got up. I kept washing my dishes. Afterwards I apologized for popping her and explained why she was in timeout. I made her apologize to the cat and give him a hug.

Am I doing timeout wrong? Should she be having it for more things? I know people debate over time out and how to use it. We are obviously using it as a consequence.