Annie the Nanny
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My three year old won't stop using bad language.
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Hey Annie
What do you do with a three year old with a dirty mouth? My three year old keeps saying the same bad word around family and it's super embarassing. Have you got any suggestions for me?
Jenna (Calgary)
Hi Jenna
Firstly ask yourself where your child is hearing this language in the first place? You haven't told me much about your family but perhaps you have an older child who needs to curb his language or perhaps you've been known to let rip yourself. When small children swear it's usually because they hear it somewhere and then simply repeat it. If that repetition then elicits a shocked reaction from you....bingo! The pattern is set, as children quickly realize the potential for attention. Unfortunately problems usually get worse before they get better, so when you try and change this, your child will no doubt up the ante and the family get together could become even more embarrassing, at least initially. Does that mean you ignore it? No, but next time you hear the word, simply inform him or her calmly that you won't put up with them saying that word. Use the 'naughty place' for three minutes or so and don't hesitate to put your child in time out immediately he or she uses that word. Don't forget to be consistent too and make sure the consequences for bad language are identical, whether you're at home or at family gatherings. As soon as you deprive your child of that negative attention and shock value they've got used to receiving, it should soon stop. Hope it works quickly!
Annie
Date Entered: 2006-09-18 13:37:05.0
Date Last Modified: 2006-09-18 13:49:51.0
Status: archive
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