Most of us don’t want our children to be the type to use foul language, especially in front of other people. When we hear a bad word coming from our children’s mouths, it can take the wind out of us and leave us wondering how to correct it without being too harsh.
If your child says the occasional bad word or you’d just like to prevent it from occurring in the future, try the following tips.
#1- Mind Your Own Language
Children imitate what they hear, so if someone they look up to uses foul language in front of them, they’re more likely to think that speaking this way is okay. Try to monitor your own language around your child and when you say something you shouldn’t, apologize.
#2- Remain Calm
Sometimes, a strong reaction is rewarding even when it isn’t intended to be. While hearing your child use foul language can be shocking, avoid overreacting. Remain calm and verbally correct your child’s behavior by explaining that the word they just used is unacceptable.
#3- Consider the Situation
If your child has used foul language to express sadness or frustration, try to cut them some slack. It’s okay to remind them that the language they’re using isn’t acceptable, but when they’re lashing out due to some upset, they’re likely not saying these words to intentionally hurt anyone. Help your child through an emotional upset and guide them towards regulating their emotions and reactions.
#4- Find Replacement Words
Have words that your child can say to replace the words they can’t. Replacement words are a good system to have for everyone in your home if you’re trying to reduce foul language usage. Plus, having relatively inoffensive words they’re allowed to use is a reasonable medium when you want them to avoid specific words they’d otherwise try getting away with.
#5- Have Consequences
Finally, have consequences lined up for times your child uses words that are off-limits in your home. Explain what the word means, why you don’t want it said, and what is expected when your child says it anyway. Make the first offense relatively light in terms of consequences, and add to it if more incidents occur.
When foul language is corrected by involved parents, it’s usually a short-lived phase children go through. In your attempts to discourage bad words, remember to encourage and reward good language at the same time.
