by Linda L Kinyon

Created on: July 07, 2011   Last Updated: July 12, 2011

As children mature they learn an entire vocabulary of words that parents often don't use at home. Many think that swearing makes them look cool, grown up and like they really know what's going on. As parents, teaching children that swearing makes them sounds uneducated and look like they have no clue about things is an important tool in fighting this battle of swearing.

Parents should always be mindful of the language they use at home and in public. If parents don't want children, tweens and teens to swear then the parents must make sure they themselves aren't using swear words.

Use appropriate words

Teach children that they must use appropriate words to get something that they want. Let them know that as a parent the response will always be the same. If a child refuses to use appropriate words then the parent simply can't have a conversation with them.

Don't swear back

Responding to a swearing child by swearing is not acceptable. If a parent doesn't want the child to swear then the parent should never swear back at the child. Use a soft answer and explain that due to sensitive ears that swearing just sounds awful and they'll have to use soft words if they need to talk to their parents. Reiterate that soft words are the only word that the parents can understand.

Be consistent

It's tempting to hear a child swearing and tune it out. Sometimes children will swear around friends but not family. Unfortunately swearing soon becomes a habit and the child will continue to swear and use foul language with friends and others if it's not stopped.

Don't give in

Swearing is never acceptable. Not in the workplace, educational system or in most public places. Teaching children that it makes them look uneducated and that many places can actually fire them for swearing is an important part of the educational process.

Reminding children that swearing is offensive to many and not tolerated in the household is one step toward stopping children from swearing. It's also important to remind that just like throwing rocks, kicking, hitting or biting, swearing can hurt someone. Teach children appropriate words to use to express anger, frustration and how they are feeling.

Next time the child is out in public and someone is swearing ask the child what they think about the person using foul language. Did the child think it was appropriate? Why or why not? How did it make the child feel? Take advantage of teaching moments at every opportunity.

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