Emily is starting to ignore smacks. I think it is the emotional side of the discipline that is affecting her more than the physical side. Sometimes she’ll just shrug off a smack. Putting her on her bed seems more effective but there isn’t always a bed handy. Just the other day I figured I’d try the naughty corner idea. It’s something I saw on the Super Nanny show. I didn’t think it would work on a child as young as Emily (I think the show recommends it for 6+ years) but then I don’t think most kids have the discipline that Emily has.
Not only does the naughty corner work, it works better than both smacks and bed. Emily will sit there howling away but she’ll stay in the corner without looking around until we get her.
I think this is just another manifestation of the “red line” principle. Most kids Emily’s age (almost 2) understand that physical things stop them getting to what they want but they are missing the concept of a virtual boundary. By using red lines to mark where Emily is not allowed to go, she has learned the concept of a virtual boundary. The concept is so strong that it works even in places where there are no red lines. I think the naughty corner is just a very small virtual boundary to Emily.
wow i think i will try this naughty corner ida.