Bec, distraction (as you do) when Smee is upset is a great option - one I already use with DS when he wants to chew on my mobile or drink my coffee.

For older children for willfully naughty behaviour I don't think five-ten minutes with no stimulation harms them. An hour or so, not as good. Over a friggin' year (are we seperated at birth, btw?) is damaging. A punishment that is time-appropriate and explained is fantastic - and doable from birth (where 0 seconds is time appropriate imo). Things do not magically change at 1 year, 4 years or whenever, good for you for disciplining early. IMO, cruel parents do not discipline; children need boundaries and consequences.

Also, it's great you recognise the behaviour as bad, not the child. I am forever telling DH and my parents that DS is not naughty/cheeky, he is a GOOD boy who hasn't learnt not to put a telephone in his mouth yet. I bleeping HATE people (ie my mother) saying DS is cheeky when all he has done is smile.

BTW, my backchatting and sarcasm was adored at age 3, hated age 7. What changed? I will not encourage DS in behaviour I do not want later... even waking at night has never been "fun", just making him go back to sleep. It's too confusing to do otherwise.