Where Did My Kid Learn To Curse? What Can I Do To Stop It?
Yikes! Has your child ever uttered a 4-letter word and you just couldn’t believe your ears? It happens, especially in today’s day and age when kids pick up language (including the bad kind) everywhere. There are curse words in music, on TV, on the streets, and even in our homes. Even if you have never cursed in front of your child, there’s a good chance he’s heard curse words before and may want to repeat them, whether or not he knows that they are not to be spoken. Here’s what to do if your child curses.
Ask Where He Heard It
Once you hear that awful word come from your child’s lips, the first thought may be where he heard such language. Ask him. Was it from someone he knows? Make sure the people around your child remember to choose their words carefully. Kids repeat nearly everything whether or not they understand the context. If he isn’t sure where he heard it, let him know that what he said is not a nice thing to say and can upset others and/or get him into trouble. He may ask what it means, and you can explain that it is a very negative word and is rude and hurtful to those around him. If he asks why the person who said it did so, explain that sometimes adults forget their manners and make the wrong word choices. This will help your child to think before blurting out something rotten.
Don’t Make a Huge Ordeal
If your child did not intend to curse, let him know it was wrong, and let it go. It was a mistake and hopefully he’ll remember to never repeat the word again. If he said it on purpose, knowing the word was off-limits, make sure he’s aware that the language won’t be tolerated, but don’t give it too much attention, as he may have uttered the word in order to get a rise out of you. The less you make a fuss, the less likely he’ll use cursing as a means for gaining attention.
Enforce the Rules
Cursing is nasty and can become a habit. Make sure your child is fully aware that cursing is not allowed and create an appropriate punishment if the behavior continues. Do your best to never curse around your child and ask that others refrain from such language around your child and others.
Has your child ever cursed? Where were you? How did you make the behavior stop? We’d love to share your insight with the AMC community. For more info like this, please visit All My Children blogs.
By: Melissa A. Kay
