by Helen Tay

Created on: January 22, 2009

No one likes to be insulted with profanities and that is what we can explain to our children the effect of using and being hurled with profanity. When a child is aware that profanity hurts, the child is unlikely to utter profanities in time of exasperation and frustration.

As adults we must live by example and hence, it starts from the home where no profanities are to be used. The rule is set that no family members are allowed to use any profanity. The kids will model after the adults they live with and hence when adults control their choice of words, this model of behavior is seen by the child and hence it is the most effective way to keep our children from using profanity.

As children are exposed to the world outside the home, they inevitably may pick up profanities used by their peers and not understanding the meaning behind. When we hear of any profanity being said by our children, we must be quick to act. We first have to ask them whether they understand the meaning of the profanity being uttered. If they do understand the profanity, we discipline them. If they do not know the meaning we explain to them what it means and the effect of it and then advised them not to utter such profanity. We may excuse them the first time and if we hear them repeating the profanity again, it is time to discipline them.

As such profanity is uttered from the mouth; I would take a red hot chili and get the erred child to put the chili into the mouth. During this time, there will be tears and I would stand firm to discipline the child. Prior to the disciplinary action, I would have told them the consequences of uttering profanity. Once the child realized their mistake and is aware of his or her action and will think twice in future about using profanity, only then I will let the child go and explain why I had to discipline and let the child understand that it is wrong to utter profanity and the child must be aware of the consequences. We have to nip the problem in the bud and then it will not become a bad habit for the child.

Life's lessons are best learned when we are relaxing and we are able to communicate freely. We can help the child understand consequences of bad behavior through watching television programs and the best way to guide them is to get the child's opinion of what they think when they see an undesirable conduct. If the child can give their opinion of the conduct, we can determine whether to guide the child or be glad that the child is sensible and that is our responsibility.

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