By Barbara Morgan, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher at The Little Lamb Christian School
Occasionally children imitate what they hear, without fully understanding what it means, or the impact it has. Sadly, cursing and crude language have become so pervasive in society, even young children are affected by this. I want to offer tips on how you can help.
- Model good language. Parents, you are the number one person your child will emulate. If you curse, your child will be more apt to. Please think about what you say in front of your child.
- Nip it in the bud. Don’t overreact, but DO react. Sometimes children do not even know a word is inappropriate, or why. Don’t assume your child knows how to act until you teach them.
- Be honest. If your child says, “Well you say it”, fess up. Admit you have a problem with it, and work together on consequences and solutions.
- Find new words. Sit down with your child and think of non-offensive words they can say when they are angry, OR when they are being silly.
- Create consequences. If talking doesn’t help, follow through on consequences. Assign a household chore every time they swear, or take away a special toy or activity. Be consistent.
- Monitor television, video and music. Even during hours when children are up, offensive language is found on television. Many popular songs have curse words in them. Think about what your child is being exposed to.
Remember, how you talk affects how people respond to you. Inappropriate language shows an impulse problem. As I reminded the kids, we are created in God’s image. Let’s shine His light in this area of our lives!