When children scold and use swear words

"Shit", "idiot" or "miscarriage" – children quickly pick up swear words and adapt them into their use of language. When parents discover at home that their children are scolding, the shock is deep at first. Then it is high time to talk about causes and find solutions.

The stress test: Children cursing and scolding

Whether from television, from the playground or from kindergarten - at some point children are confronted with swear words. The little ones proudly carry their newly learned achievements home and, of course, chat about the "idiot" in kindergarten at the table at home.

"Where did you get that from?", "You don't say that!", "I don't want to hear that at home!", often follows as a spontaneous reaction. For your children, this means reason enough to repeat the evil expression as often and loudly as possible and to shine with a firework of swear words. How should you react to this as parents? After all, you don't want your children to scold and use such expressions in their language use.

Children and their enthusiasm for swear words

Toddlers in particular are susceptible to picking up swear words quickly during their language development. On the one hand, they eagerly absorb new words and phrases at a young age, and on the other hand, they like to test boundaries. The incredulous looks are attractive enough for children to cheerfully rant.

Children register that they can provoke with the chosen words. They immediately receive more attention. Therefore, it is likely that your children will use swear words even more often in this case.

How to react correctly

They cannot completely protect children from swear words. But it is your responsibility to ensure that it is handled sensitively and to reduce the bad language.

Keep cool

If your child starts scolding, you should therefore first keep calm. An overreaction is rather counterproductive. Prohibitions and impulsive teachings only lead to the fact that the scolding becomes even more interesting for the child.

Addressing the issue

Sit down with your child and ask them why they use swear words? Make it clear that such words are very hurtful. If necessary, explain the meaning of the terms to them in appropriate words. When you enter into a dialogue with your children, your words get through better than with a lecture or a prohibition.

Unmasking the author

Television, older siblings or other caregivers – find out where your child picked up the swear word. Parents also slip out curses from time to time. Therefore, question yourself critically, take your role model function seriously and refrain from using swear words as much as possible.

Creating alternatives

Of course, children cannot be so easily forbidden to scold just because you want it to. However, you can create alternatives to keep these outbreaks as low as possible.

Vent: Children also have a bad day and want to express their frustration. Create a limited amount of time each day for your child to let off steam. However, it should remain with this short period of time and the ranting should not get out of hand. It is better to create alternative outlets: A round on the playground to clear your head often works wonders.
Alternative swear words: To fight the ugly swear words, look for weaker expressions, such as "darned" instead of "shit". Or you can simply invent new swear words such as "boring quark mushroom" or "simple-minded swamp fungus". Imaginative word combinations of arbitrary terms are funny and your child will visibly enjoy developing them.
Swear glass: For older children who already receive their own pocket money, it can be useful to set up a swear glass at home. Each family member is then encouraged to throw in a small amount of money for each swear word used. Your protégé will be wary of scolding if the valuable pocket money is lost as a result.

source : When children use swear words – Hello Family Club