Children tend to pick up new words very quickly at around age two. Whether your child has overheard you saying a swear word, or whether he or she has picked it up at school, there’s a good chance that at some point, your child will take great delight in saying swear words over and over again.
It’s probably nothing more than pure mimicry on the part of your child, but he’s probably also noticed that people tend to say these words at specific times, or when they’re angry or upset, and he’s probably trying to see what reaction he gets when he uses them.
Even a two year old can be taught that swearing and potty talk is not appropriate though, and here is how:
First, make sure that you treat going to the toilet, and the associated bodily functions, in a matter of fact manner. The more of a big deal you make about them, the more your child will realise that they can get attention when they say something related to the toilet. Reading books about the subject, and demystifying ordinary bodily functions, is a sure fire way to make your child lose interest.
Keep a straight face. While it can be tempting to laugh when your child says a swear word, it is best to keep a straight face if you can. If your child sees that you react to swearing, he or she will only be encouraged to do it more.
Try using other words to distract your child. Any fun alternative, even a word you have made up, is preferable to your child swearing!
Practice what you preach. If you swear a lot, it is unrealistic to expect your child to avoid swear words. So avoid swearing, or at least swearing in front of your child!
If your child has decided to say a particularly bad swear word over and over again, you need to be decisive. Simply tell your child that that is not a word he or she is allowed to use, and that you will have to give him or her a time out if you hear it again.
Not allowing swearing to get attention, and teaching your child that harsh words can hurt feelings is the best way to get your child to stop using swear words to gain attention.
It’s probably nothing more than pure mimicry on the part of your child, but he’s probably also noticed that people tend to say these words at specific times, or when they’re angry or upset, and he’s probably trying to see what reaction he gets when he uses them.
Even a two year old can be taught that swearing and potty talk is not appropriate though, and here is how:
First, make sure that you treat going to the toilet, and the associated bodily functions, in a matter of fact manner. The more of a big deal you make about them, the more your child will realise that they can get attention when they say something related to the toilet. Reading books about the subject, and demystifying ordinary bodily functions, is a sure fire way to make your child lose interest.
Keep a straight face. While it can be tempting to laugh when your child says a swear word, it is best to keep a straight face if you can. If your child sees that you react to swearing, he or she will only be encouraged to do it more.
Try using other words to distract your child. Any fun alternative, even a word you have made up, is preferable to your child swearing!
Practice what you preach. If you swear a lot, it is unrealistic to expect your child to avoid swear words. So avoid swearing, or at least swearing in front of your child!
If your child has decided to say a particularly bad swear word over and over again, you need to be decisive. Simply tell your child that that is not a word he or she is allowed to use, and that you will have to give him or her a time out if you hear it again.
Not allowing swearing to get attention, and teaching your child that harsh words can hurt feelings is the best way to get your child to stop using swear words to gain attention.
