I struggle to find adequate language to explain why handing me a piece of paper with poo on it (for example) is not a good thing to do....


I tell DD that her actions are naughty.

I once told her that she was naughty, and it left a foul feeling in my heart as I said it in anger and even knew at the time that it was cruel of me to say it.

And TBH i do think that they can get the distinction. i see it that we are showing them to our best ability some socially acceptable behaviours. So, when DD1 draws all over the couch with pens i will tell her that it was really naughty to draw on the couch because she knows that she is only allowed to draw on paper.

(and then i run from the room hyperventilating because it is my *BRAND* new king furniture couch )