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Swear Words

ellamia by ellamia Talking Back(May 8th) (rank 26th)

Sadly, as kids explore language, it is normal for them to learn the good things along with the bad. When they break out of the swear words its most likely they're trying to express their emotions such as anger, fear or frustration (just like many adults!)

According to research swear words are some of the most powerful English words. When children hear someone using a swear word they might not understand its meaning, but they understand its emotional attachment. The child might not have the right words to describe how they feel in a more sophisticated way, so using swear words is a lot easier for them.

It may go against your instincts but punishing your child when he or she uses inappropriate language isn't the best way to deal with the problem. You need to consider why he or she is swearing. Are they expressing an emotion or just being playful or maybe even copying you because you may of said it. If it is playfulness simply say "we dont talk like that in this house". If the words are used in an abusive way, don't react to them. Try finding out what is upsetting your child and talk about the swear words when your child is a little calmer.

Whether you explain the meaning of the word will depend on the individual parent and whether you think it will encourage him or her to re-use that word. A big reaction to bad language may also prolong the language of swearing. Children explore different behaviours and depending on the response they get, they increase or decrease the use of their behaviours.

I hope this has helped some parents.

Kelly Barratt

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jenaya04
May 8th | jenaya04
Re: Swear Words

Hi

My nearly 12 yr old has begun saying a few choice words..nothing major but not tolerated. As we dont swear much around our kids, we are presuming he has picked it up from his friends or even tv. I pick him up on it and he will apologise immediately but really, who knows what he is saying when away from the house! Good advice...Joxx



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Lynd
May 8th | Lynd
Re: Swear Words

You could just wash their mouth out with soap.My mum did it to me and i still remember it 15 yrs later and never swore again...



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HarrisonsMommy
May 8th | HarrisonsMommy
Re: Swear Words

Kelly, this is really well written and so so very true.  Well done-Angela



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cindyb
May 8th | cindyb
Re: Swear Words

Hubby and me were just talking about that today, as we have 2 older kids and one 19 month old. Thing is, when the older 2 are not around, we absentmindedly drop a word or 2, thinking that the littlelest one wont catch on...But I swear I heard him say shi#, but not clearly. OOPS!!! OMG, I say to hubby, we gotta be SO careful. Can you imagine the red faces (ours) if we go out and little man drops the word in the shops???? Or any other overheard word for that matter. Not a good thing....

Thanks for the advice, it is so true. : #



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cazza
May 8th | cazza
Re: Swear Words

Great article and thank you for this as i was recently told i need to curb my language in my house as kids are our parrots and will copy..

xxx cazza



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cassaustin
May 8th | cassaustin
Re: Swear Words

Great advice Kell!

I swear quite a bit, and recenty i have been trying to stop it, knowing that Austin is listening to everything i say.

I do know a woman who has 6 kids and she is a major swearer. Her youngest daughter (3) calls her mum a b*tch and her dad an a**hole. I think that is wrong. I know that she has picked it up from them. Perhaps if she was to teach her kids the difference between expressing themselves and just using the words in every day chit chat, her kids would be nicer to be around.

Cass xx



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Libby24
May 8th | Libby24
Re: Swear Words

my hubby and i swear alot and most of the time we dont realise it. it wasnt until alex repeatedd a word that we realised we did this alot. we have told them what they mean and they are not good to use as chilldren. mind u my daughter uses "shit" alot but in contex so i dont yell at her i just remind her that it is not a nice word



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      ellamia
May 8th | ellamia
Re: Swear Words

Thats great Libby. Im glad it works for you.




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