Using profanities almost seems commonplace in American culture today. Let’s face it — it’s almost impossible to avoid hearing profanities. We hear swearing on a large number of TV programs, movies, music, video games, sporting events and sometimes just from being out in public places.
It may be commonly accepted to hear the use of profanity, but we shouldn’t forget for one second that cursing is intended to be offensive, insulting and often shocking. As such, cursing is rude and disrespectful.
Given societal norms how do you teach your children to avoid or stop cursing?
Set a good example
Children largely mimic what they hear and observe from their parents. Eliminate swearing from your vocabulary, no matter who the audience.
The likelihood for you to curse accidentally in front of your children will be much less. Be creative — think of some alternative words (i.e. I’m exasperated, infuriated, angry, incensed.). Practice being more patient with life’s challenges.
Stay calm
If your child uses a curse word, stay calm. Remember children sometimes use inappropriate language to get a charge out of you. You could explain to your child that cursing is not acceptable and explain why it’s offensive. It’s a great opportunity to come up with alternative words for your child to use when they are angry or want to emphasize a point.
Choose a “better” word
If you and your child both observe the use of profanities, then use the example to teach your child how the situation and use of language could have been better. If you make a mistake and use a curse word, apologize for your mistake and explain that you should have chosen a better word.
Continue to talk
Sometimes children curse to feel “cool,” or because they are truly angry or upset. Always talk to your child to see if there is a bigger underlying problem bothering her.
Our use of language is powerful and a reflection of how we value ourselves and others. Cursing is a lazy and disrespectful use of language.
Teaching our children to understand and avoid cursing can contribute positively to raising a more civilized, kinder society.
Using profanities almost seems commonplace in American culture today. Let’s face it — it’s almost impossible to avoid hearing profanities. We hear swearing on a large number of TV programs, movies, music, video games, sporting events and sometimes just from being out in public places.
It may be commonly accepted to hear the use of profanity, but we shouldn’t forget for one second that cursing is intended to be offensive, insulting and often shocking. As such, cursing is rude and disrespectful.
Given societal norms how do you teach your children to avoid or stop cursing?
Set a good example
Children largely mimic what they hear and observe from their parents. Eliminate swearing from your vocabulary, no matter who the audience.
The likelihood for you to curse accidentally in front of your children will be much less. Be creative — think of some alternative words (i.e. I’m exasperated, infuriated, angry, incensed.). Practice being more patient with life’s challenges.
Stay calm
If your child uses a curse word, stay calm. Remember children sometimes use inappropriate language to get a charge out of you. You could explain to your child that cursing is not acceptable and explain why it’s offensive. It’s a great opportunity to come up with alternative words for your child to use when they are angry or want to emphasize a point.
Choose a “better” word
If you and your child both observe the use of profanities, then use the example to teach your child how the situation and use of language could have been better. If you make a mistake and use a curse word, apologize for your mistake and explain that you should have chosen a better word.
Continue to talk
Sometimes children curse to feel “cool,” or because they are truly angry or upset. Always talk to your child to see if there is a bigger underlying problem bothering her.
Our use of language is powerful and a reflection of how we value ourselves and others. Cursing is a lazy and disrespectful use of language.
Teaching our children to understand and avoid cursing can contribute positively to raising a more civilized, kinder society.