The Naughty Mat

The Naughty Mat

Sometimes your children can be at their most challenging when you're out and about and your attention is not focused on them. But it can be very difficult to discipline a child when all eyes are on you! If the Naughty Step Technique works well in your home, why not try taking this mat about with you, so your child benefits from a consistent approach to parenting?

The Naughty mat is also ideal for younger children, from about eighteen months, who would not be safe or comfortable on the steps or a chair. You might also like the idea of being able to move the naughty spot around your home, so you can keep an eye on your child wherever you are.

How it works

• When your child misbehaves explain what she’s done wrong, tell her that her behaviour is unacceptable, and warn her that if she behaves in the same way again, she’ll be put on the Naughty Mat. Make sure your voice remains calm, not angry, and use a low, authoritative tone.
• Are you somewhere which is particularly triggering the situation? If your child is always difficult in the supermarket or the cafe, try to get her involved more in what you're doing, and make sure you keep communicating. Or is your child tired or hungry? See if you can help resolve her frustration and move her on to another activity or use the Involvement Technique to diffuse the situation.
• If she misbehaves again, find a suitably quiet corner and immediately put her on the Naughty Mat. Explain clearly why she is there and how long she must stay there (one minute per year of her age). Don't feel shy if people stare - much better to calmly use the Mat than to lose your temper with her! 
• If she comes off the Naughty Mat, put her back on using gentle but firm movements and keep putting her back onto the step until she realises that you’re committed to keeping her there for the agreed set time.
• Once your child has completed the agreed set time on the Naughty Mat, crouch down so you’re on the same level, use a low and authoritative tone of voice, and explain why you put her there. Ask her to apologise, and when she does, praise her warmly with a kiss and a cuddle. Say ‘thank you’, go back to what you were doing and forget about the incident.
• If your child refuses to apologise (or does something like shouts ‘sorry’ in a way which makes you think she probably doesn’t mean it!), continue this technique until she realises that you need a proper apology. But don’t forget the kiss and cuddle at the end!

Coming soon...

Very soon, you'll be able to buy the original Supernanny Naught Mat and Supernanny Naught Step from our shop, so watch this space!