How to Stop Children From Using Bad Language

From a very young age, children experiment with ways to get their parents' attention, as well as new ways to express themselves and assert their growing independence. Kids may use profanity to see what type of reaction it elicits or because they don't yet have the language skills to express anger or frustration. Halt your children's use of bad language by not using it yourself, teaching them how to appropriately express themselves and explaining why bad language is not acceptable for your family.

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid overreacting when young children use bad language. They usually don't know what the words mean but have heard them used outside the home. They likely are seeking your attention or testing to see what type of reaction they'll get from you. Simply tell them those are not appropriate words to use and move on.

    • 2

      Teach your children that certain words are not acceptable at your house. Explain that they will hear these words used on TV, in music and even by friends, but their common usage does not make them OK to use. Depending on your children's ages, tell them the words are "bad," "not nice," "inappropriate" or "hurtful." Remind them that different families have different rules about what's acceptable, and how you talk in your family is one of those areas.

    • 3

      Model the behavior you want your children to emulate. Don't use curse words or other inappropriate language yourself. If they hear you using words you're telling them not to use, you're sending an inconsistent and confusing message, especially with younger children.

    • 4

      Help your children come up with acceptable alternative ways to express anger or frustration. Teach them how to talk through frustrations or issues that make them angry in lieu of using bad language. Identify which words are acceptable for your family, such as "darn" or "rats," for example, or substitute silly words like "fudgesicles" for more offensive or profane words. Such silly words have an added benefit of injecting levity into sometimes difficult situations, further defusing the situation.

    • 5

      Establish and implement age-appropriate consequences for your children if they persist in using prohibited words. You may also need to limit your children's involvement with other kids who frequently use language you don't want your kids to pick up, along with restricting their access to inappropriate movies, music and TV shows.

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