Swearing
Swearing has become commonplace in our society, largely due
to TV and the movies (not to mention bumper stickers).
Children in grade school today hear bad language that used
to be reserved for high school. But that doesn't mean you
have to listen to it.
The rule
Have a rule that "swearing is not allowed in our house."
Tell your child not to swear around teachers and other
adults. Enforcing what your child says outside the home is
more complicated. Back up the school and their rules about
swearing. Then accept the fact that how your youngster
talks with his friends in private is something you can't
control.
Discipline technique
- If your youngster swears around you or other adults,
send him to his room for a time-out. If he does it
repeatedly, ground him for a day. But don't wash his
mouth out with soap; that's too barbaric.
- When your child is angry at someone, suggest he tell you
about it without swearing. If he can't, suggest he
swear in his room or hit a pillow.
- Never wash the mouth out with soap or slap the face for
swearing.
Praise
Praise your child for not swearing when he got mad.
Model
Express anger without swearing. You won't be able to get
your youngster to give up any four-letter words that you
continue to use. Have you tried "darn it" lately?
Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.