How to Handle Kids Repeating Bad Words

Parents experience many milestones: first smile, first tooth, first day of preschool. One first that won't likely make it into the baby book is your child's first naughty word. Whether he hears the word from an older sibling, a friend or even you, the way you react is key to quashing the bad habit. Young kids often test out new words and notice the reactions they get. If you flinch or make a scene about an inappropriate word, it could become a game for your little word master.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold back any strong reactions when you hear an inappropriate word slip from your child's mouth. Both negative reactions, such as yelling or acting appalled, and positive reactions, such as laughing, encourage your child to repeat the offensive word. Even if you are embarrassed or angry on the inside, don't show it to your child.

    • 2

      Instead of just telling him not to say it, give him a reason why he shouldn't repeat the word. Tell your child in a calm voice that the word is not acceptable to use. Say, "That word is not one we say. It can make people feel sad or upset if they hear it."

    • 3

      Go into more detail about the specific word if your child is old enough to understand. For example, if your second-grader repeats a slang word directed toward a particular ethnic group that he heard at school, explain why it is unacceptable. Say, "That word disrespects everyone who is from that ethnicity. It is a mean word and makes people feel bad." Kids often repeat words to fit in with their peers even if they don't know what it means. If he understands why it is a negative word, he may be more likely to stop using it.

    • 4

      Set consequences if your child continues using the same unacceptable word, especially if he is old enough to understand that he should stop. For example, if he repeats the word at a play date, tell him you will leave if he continues saying the offensive word. If he uses the word again, follow through and leave immediately.

    • 5

      Expand your child's vocabulary so he has plenty of acceptable words to express himself. Help him put words to his emotions and encourage him to tell you how he feels. Say, "I see that you're getting a little frustrated. Are you feeling mad or upset that you can't figure out your homework?" Give him specific examples to replace the curse words he picks up. Say, "Instead of saying a naughty word when something goes wrong, let's say 'Oh, bananas!' instead."

    • 6

      Young kids repeat what they hear frequently. If you use curse words, your child may think it is acceptable to say them. Clean up your own language to decrease the potential for repeating inappropriate words in the future.

    • 7

      Create an environment at home based on respect. Set family rules that discourage name-calling or other disrespectful behavior that might encourage the use of unacceptable words.

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