Try Supernanny's Naughty Step technique
Break the cycle of bad behavior quickly with Jo Frost's fail-safe plan.
Call out bad behavior.
When your child misbehaves, immediately get down to her level, look her in the eyes and, in a low, firm voice of authority, tell her that you won't tolerate the behavior. Say something like, "Hitting your brother is unacceptable. We don't hurt other people. Please don't do it again." This gives your child a chance to correct her behavior.
Give an ultimatum.
If your child repeats the offense five minutes later, use the same tone to issue an ultimatum. Say, "I told you not to hit. That was very naughty. The next time you do it, you're going to the Naughty Step."
Use the Naughty Step.
If your child once more behaves badly, take her to the step. Sit her down and tell her to stay there. (The amount of time she should stay depends on her age. If she's 3 years old, she should stay for three minutes; if she's 4, she should stay for four minutes, etc.)
Give an explanation.
Before leaving your child, spell out why she's on the step. Say something like, "Hitting is never OK. It hurts. You're going to sit here for five minutes and think about what you've done. Then I will come and get you, and I'll want you to apologize please. Now stay there."
Require an apology.
Your child should apologize at the end of the time-out. She must say she's sorry in a way that conveys actual regret.
Give praise.
After she has apologized, be sure to praise her for it. You want your child to know that she is forgiven. Treat the incident as over.
See Jo on TV
Jo Frost was a nanny for more than 15 years before being cast on "Supernanny," which was first broadcast in the United Kingdom. Catch the show Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.
Every month ALL YOU magazine is packed with tips like these that you can really use. .
Back to