Five Easy Tips for Teaching Your Child Not to Swear

In the movie, A Christmas Story, young Ralphie is helping his father change the tire on the family car when he accidentally drops all the lug nuts. Frustrated, he bursts out with what he later refers to as the "F-dash-dash-dash word." The parental hysteria and subsequent soap mouthwash that follow make for funny television, but not for good teaching. If you want your child to watch his or her language, try these tips instead.

Tip #1: Watch Your Language

Kids tend to repeat what they hear from those closest to them. If you routinely curse like a carpenter who's just nailed his thumb to a door jamb, your kids are going to pick up on your language. And they certainly won't understand if you try to explain why you can curse and they can't. If everybody in the family uses bad language, consider a "swear jar." Everyone who says a bad word--kid or adult--has to donate a certain amount of money.

Tip #2: Visitors in Your Home

No, you aren't raising your spouse's poker buddies, and you shouldn't have to be responsible for their language...unless they bring their language into your home. Then you have every right to intervene. Catch the offender privately and say something simple like, "Please watch your language around our son."

Tip #3: Talk to Your Child

When you and your child are both calm, perhaps before bedtime or when you are doing an activity together, have a serious talk with your child about swearing. Explain that swearing makes her sound childish and vulgar, not tough or cool. Tell your child that some people are very offended by swearing and will think less of her if they hear her use those words.

Tip #4: Impose Consequences

All children want their parents' approval, so consequences don't have to be severe. A simple verbal reprimand and/or a threatened loss of privileges will usually do the trick. ("I don't like that language, Jenny. If I hear it again, Sarah can't come over to play this afternoon.")