my son likes being naughty

[clare40]

My son is 3 yrs old and seems to enjoy being naughty. He really does - he is constantly throwing things, or running into people, or hitting out. Or just doing stuff that he knows I don't like pulling all the tissues out or jumping on me. I give him praise ALL the time for anything good - but really he seems to get more fun out of being naughty! I just don't quite know what to do? any thoughts?

Must add I do use the naughty step for any roughness or throwing, but if I used it for all that he did he would spend most his day there. I try to ignore the silly things!

is he getting lots of positive attention and encouragement when he is good. he sounds like he really wants to get your attention and knows that naughty will get it.

My Nephew is like this. He will look at you and smile and then stamp on something, or throw a toy or hit my son. He gets lots of praise from me and his Mum when he is being good. However, he is like this because his Mum is not consistent with discipline.

I am very consistent at my house and don't have too many problems with him now, since I introduced time out and the 'microwave' Before you get too worried - I don't actually put him in the microwave lol.

If he throws anything, then it gets taken away immediately and goes on the microwave (where he can't reach) for 20 minutes. When I give the toy back, I explain why I took it and he has to say sorry. If he hits or is destructive, then he gets 1 warning and if he continues, he goes straight on time out for 3 minutes. Timeout is a chair in the dining room with no access to anything he can play with or mess with. You have to be totaly consistent with both of these methods or they don't work.

My sister does timeout at her house, but he gets about 10 warnings before she actually uses timeout, so its pretty much a waste of time. She also does not use a stern voice when he is being really naughty. A stern voice is a must so they know you are serious.

Good luck

oops xpost.
how did i not see that part in your post.

have you tried ignoring anything naughty? if he is doing anything dangerous, remove him from the situation but ignore everything else. it will be very hard and wont be overnight, he will up the ante, but if you persevers and reall really praise the good it should sink in. its an ongoing process though.

I know it's about attention, and I give him a lot, but I must confess I do find it a bit boring playing with him and get easily distracted on housework or phoning a friend. I guess thats the problem! I am just not good at playing with him!

clare i am like you, i am not great at playing with my children. i do find ds1's behaviour much better if i let him 'help' me with what ever i am doing. it keeps him occupied, he enjoys it, it is a great chance to praise loads and it means you aren't playing hide and seek for the 45th time that day.

Yes, I try to include but he often "finds" the naughty thing to do - like washing up he will start pouring the water on the kitchen floor! (Of course, at that point I make him stop!).

hovering is good!!!!!!