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Swearing
Most children will go through a phase of using foul language - often
a painful reminder of our own adverse vocabulary. Done at an early
age the child would obviously have no idea what the word means,
however that depends on where he heard the word in the first place.
A dirty four-letter word said by either parent at the time of
spilling a cup of coffee for instance, would cause the child to
swear each and every time he makes a mistake. He may also hear you
swearing at another road user, and repeat the same phrase, with just
as much zest, when he feels it is an 'appropriate moment'. Watch
what you say! We are the teachers, while children the followers.
What to do:
Initially it may sound cute, but laughing would only be encouraging
it more. As difficult as it may be, it is vital that you remain
unimpressed, even if coming from a chubby-cheeked two year old.
Swearing is often also used as a means of gaining attention, so it
is important that you don't place too much emphasis on the
situation, when the child is of a young age. In the case of older
children, i.e. 6-10 years, the situation should be handled in a way
that shows your disapproval as well as a means of trying to assess
why the child feels the need to use such language.
Preventative tips:
Assess the situation, noting under what circumstances he uses these
words, and what reaction he gets from those around him.
Make it clear to him that you will not tolerate inappropriate
language, and the action you will take if you hear him using them
again.
Ask her where she may be hearing these words, and what her teacher
would say if she repeated them in class. Ask yourself if any of
these words or other similar words are used around the house. If so,
best you change your household talk.
Observe whether the child is inclined to use dirty language
following play-time with a certain friend. If so, it may be wise to
talk to the teacher and/or parents of that particular child.
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