DD asking for naughty step - is this normal?

[smileitssunny]

Please don't flame me... I read a thread before posting this where the OP was flamed to the extent she deregistered; I'm a little nervous now!

We have been using the 'naughty step' technique for a little while, with reasonable success (DD is 2). Now when she does something she knows is naughty, she suggests the naughty step herself. She is happy to sit quietly on the step, and rarely tries to leave. We always have a cuddle afterwards and if she can tell me what behaviour led to the 'naughty step' she usually says sorry.

Does this mean it is not effective as a 'time-out'?
Does it mean she's desperately trying to establish boundaries?
Does it mean she's so affection-starved she thinks it's the only way to get a cuddle?!

Or am I overthinking it?!

Not sure what your solution is, but just to reassure you that my DD does the same (she is 2 too). She will slap he older siblings then say "naughty step now", and takes herself there!
We now have changed our strategy to removing her from the room to various places for her time out, or will take off whatever toy she is loving at the moment.

thanks sing glad it's not just us!

Ds1 did this at 2. I think I was over using it. I still used it though and the phased passed-now at 5 it seems to strike the fear of god into him if I threaten it

that's a good result lollystix!

no idea what it means but think it's really sweet and lovely

Not flaming but he does sound very young to need time out step and also would only use it for very big things, eg happy land train rammed into mummy's eye because battery ran out.

Re putting herself there, it sounds like she is trying to control x

She not he

Thanks awen I agree she seems young but I feel it's better than me being shouty and I like the portability aspect... I try to only use it if her actions could have physically hurt someone. She's also quite happy to tell me to go to the naughty step if I break the house rules e.g. 'no throwing mummy' [GRIN]