naughty step

Punishment sitting spot

A naughty step is a designated spot—often a stair—where a misbehaving child is sent to sit alone and reflect on their behavior.

The term is primarily British, popularized by parenting shows.

By extension, to be on the naughty step is to be in disgrace or facing consequences for a misstep: The minister found himself on the naughty step after the leaked emails.

Related

bad behavior · toddler · little ones · reflection · cool down · calm down · bad · accountability · remorse · corner · tantrums · correction · rude · crying · discipline · sulking · self-regulation · pouting

Categories
Opposites
behavioral consequence

naughty stepgold star

Small achievement marker

reward · sticker chart · treat · praise · reward chart

emotional experience

naughty stepcelebration

Festive event marking occasion

recognition ceremony · standing ovation · lap of honor · victory lap · graduation

behavioral connotation

naughty stepthrone

Ceremonial chair for sovereigns

place of honor · head of the table · pride of place

Family

step, naughty, steps, stepping, naughtiness, stepchild, naughtily, naughtier, naughtiest

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G