Discipline - is there an alternative to the naughty step?

[Dancergirl]

There must be another way surely? I don't smack and have used the naughty step on and off over the years for my 3 dds. But I am not convinced about it. I don't really like doing it and I don't think it works.

But what other way is there? Dd3 can be a handful at times - hitting/pushing/hair pulling etc (she's 3).

So with no smacking and no naughty step/time out, how the hell do you deal with this sort of thing? Of course I always say 'no' in a firm voice and explain that we don't hit etc. But what else can I do?

First thing I do if he hits me is walk away - DS1 hates to be ignored. Second thing is I threaten to take a toy away (whatever current favourite is) and then go through with it if behaviour continues.

Lots and lots and lots of alternatives

Start www.naturalchild.org/articles/gentle_guidance.htmlhere:

Check out Positive Discipline

and Unconditional Parenting

"How to talk so kids will listen" is brilliant too. I've used a few of the techniques with DS and am amazed at the results. Still resort to the naughty step sometimes when he's hitting but we're working on it...

Yes, ITA re How to Talk etc...

Agree that How to Talk is good, but can be difficult to read because of all the cartoons/exercise bits. Skip them if necessary and go straight to the text - you can always go back.

Do you explain why she shouldn't hit? DD is 3, and explanation is often the only thing that works with her (ok, shouting works too...).

It's not always possible, but if circumstances allow I will remove DS from the situation. So, say if he's being aggressive with other children, I would pick him up and take him to stand in the hall (or wherever) with me. I'd let him know that we're standing there because it's not OK to do X and we can go back and play if he behaves nicely/says sorry if appropriate. If he does it again, he gets removed immediately.

Won't work for all kids but mine really wanted to join in so got the message quickly. Of course there are always times when it's not possible to do this, particularly if you have younger children.

And yes, How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk is ace.