Swearing : Y2

[wizzler]

DS is 6, and a lovely thoughtful little chap. He has been picking up some very unpleasant language from school mates. I know it is probably bravado, but I am that we didn't get past 6years before him learning the F word.

He definitely knows it is wrong, and only uses these sort of words when he is very very cross. Could any of you wise Mums offer some advice? I feel I should make sure there are consequences to this behaviour, but am torn because I think that making a big deal of it will only underline the impact it has on the rest of us, and he will use it more. I know he is only experimenting,.. but there are limits..

Any good ideas, gratefully received

[Anaxagora]

Mine have heard all sorts, I'm sure.

Just say, "It is Not Okay to use those kinds of words. I know other silly children at school say them, but that's because they can't remember to use sensible words instead. We don't say those words in our house, and I don't want to hear that again." If it does happen again then you very calmly say, "I'm sorry, you can't be in the room with the rest of us when you're using those kinds of words. Go to your bedroom and come back when you're ready to talk to us sensibly."

Don't get angry, keep it neutral, don't make a big deal out of it, but do make it clear that in your house it's not okay to say those words under any circumstances, regardless of what other kids say at school.

[wizzler]

Thanks Anax.

I know I have a tendency to be PFB with DS, and I know that in 5 years time I will look back at this time and laugh at how wound up I am.. I will follow your sage advice!

[curtaincall]

Like you, my ds is 6 and PFB so was startled when certain words came out of his innocent mouth over the last year. I know they're for effect, so wouldn't make too big a deal of it. Have just been staying with my parents and they saw a sheet of paper on which he'd written all the rude words he could think of including the phonetically correct way (in his opinion) of spelling the 'Ph' word and another one with only one 'g' in the middle where there are usually two etc.

I asked him where he'd heard all these words, and he said his Godmother, his cousin and myself. Grandparents thought it was hilarious which probably doesn't cover any of my family in glory.

Don't worry, they're only words. Try not to react with anger or shock. You could tell him that there are more intelligent ways of expressing himself?