This is something I have just started thinking about recently. It's only been recently that DS has started doing things that could be considered 'naughty', and only recently I've discovered how much I dislike the word. I don't use the word, and after talking to DH about how I feel about it, he doesn't either. I have heard my mum say it once or twice to DS, so I need to have a chat with her too.

I think it's my sociology study kicking in - labeling theory. If you tell a kid they're 'naughty' often enough they'll believe that's just the way they are - that they're bad/no good. My younger brother is an example of this - grew up being told by (mainly teachers and other kids) that he was naughty/bad. He's not - he has a good heart, but even now in his early twenties he continues to make not great decisions and has a low opinion of himself.

I think talking about the action is important, but the word naughty/bad doesn't need to be used.

I wish I could explain myself better, but my brain is pretty foggy today.