How do I discipline my 2yr old son who thinks the naughty step is a game???

Mics_chick

I've already got a dd 3yr 9mo old - we have successfully used the naughty step method with her to the point where now she only has to be threatened with it and she tows the line but my ds 2yr 2mo just does not take it seriously.
If I put him on the step he just laughs or keeps getting up so I have to put him back and he thinks it's a game
I knew my dd took it seriously coz she would get upset when I put her on the naughty step - although I didn't like her getting upset it was a necessary evil to follow through with the discipline and like I say it worked.
Anyone got advice on what else I can do?

jamgirl

it depends how strong you are.

i would persevere.
each time he gets off, put him back on it.
even if this takes a VERY long time.

my middle one used to get off all the time when we started it. but after a few times of repeatedly putting him back on it he soon realised i wasn't going to give in.

if you have already done this as much as you can then i'm sorry but at the moment i can't think of any thing else!!
maybe take away a favourite toy and only return it when he has said sorry?

Irisheyes648

Does he have favourite toys, my 2 year old would be mortified if I took any of his thomas the tank engine toys away from him if he was naughty.....at the moment the naughty step works but this is my back up if I need it.:T

sticher

Have to agree with the others perseverance is the key. Even letting him get off one single time will put you back ages. Removing toys is a good alternative and depends on the situation.

abarthman

Replace the "naughty step" with the "naughty cupboard".

The smaller and darker, the better.

He'll soon learn to behave himself!

Carmina_Piranha_3

:eek:

i didn't use naughty step at age 2 so i'm just making this up but the only thing i can think of is that he gets a lot of attention (even if it's negative) when you have to keep putting him back on the step, telling him off etc. perhaps making sure you do it without speaking to him? (obviously you would speak to him as you put him on it for the first time, i mean if you need to return him to it). that way he doesn't get interaction/attention.

i've seen parents use the sofa at toddler group as a naughty sofa for 2 year olds and they seem to limit it to a minute or less because 2 minutes would be a long time for a toddler to sit still. boys seem to jump about more and understand less than girls, if i'm allowed to say that - maybe he doesn't understand things as well as your daughter did?

janeawej

every time he gets off simply pick him up at arms length no cuddles or lead him by the hand if he will come easily without making a tug of war game! and place him firmly back on it saying 'sit there for 2 mins till i come and get you' dont make eye contact, smile or give any encouragement or attention as at this age any attention is good positive or negative, do thjis exactly the same every time he gets off the step, dont stand where you can see him and him you, I would stand just inside a door nearby so you can hear if he gets off, dont talk to him or start any type of conversation just repeat the same words each time you take him back 'sit there for 2 mins till i come and get you' (or whatever you choose) whatever you do dont get drawn into an agrument about it!! stay calm and do it as many times as you need, maybe just one minute to start with but the general rule of thumb is one minute per year of age, he will get used to it and it will work!! but i do know how frustrating it can be, Good luck jane

webbie

You could create a "naughty corner" - my health visitor years ago suggested using my porch - it was away from sight and very boring. Or a cushion/mat in a corner where they can "see" where they need to stay.

Remember - tons of praise for the good child and ignore bad behaviour. Two year olds always want to be recognised as the "good" one and if older child is behaving - make a fuss of them!!

Most of all - be consistent!! Any sign of weakness and you will be back to square one.

Best of luck!!

Dumyat

you have to find what makes them tick...and use it!!!

Fizog

My big threat was no bourbon biscuits or no bedtime story or no toddler group or no pingu !! Always have a back up. You have found out the difference between boys and girls...girls aim to please - boys please themselves!

sarymclary

I didn't start to use the naughty step until later for my boys, but as you're already using it, your son should be familiar with the routine. I started off discipline with a firm 'NO', and a count to 3. My 15 year old still doesn't wait until I get to 3, believe me, because doing so will mean severe repurcussions. Explain exactly, and firmly what the bad behaviour is, insist on either an immediate halt to it, an apology, whatever is appropriate in the situation. If it's really bad behaviour, then perhaps the time out approach, naughty step, or even sending to their room is appropriate. I must admit I'm a bu**er for forgetting I've sent one of them to their room, and many a time I hear 'Mummy, can I come down yet, it's been an hour now!':o

As everyone else has said, perseverence is the key. Stick to your guns, you'll need this practice because when they're teenagers they just push bigger boundaries, but in the same way. Let them walk over you now, don't expect to have a say in curfews, no smoking, or doing homework in years to come - you've been warned!! :eek: :rotfl: :rotfl: