Preventing inappropriate language at home

[gadgetgeek]

What would be the best way of stopping my 12 year old son from using inappropraite 'playground' language and cursing at home? Its really starting to grate on the family. I know it goes on at school etc, most of us did it, but I never did (and still dont) in front of my mum n dad! I also dread him saying something he shouldnt in front of family or friends. Thank u

[JanineG]

Tell him its disrespectful and reflects badly on you. If it happens again you'll punish him. (and then make your choice out of the punishments suggested above). Personally I think that any 12 year old who knowingly swears in front of their parents shows a complete lack of respect. You say that you never (and still don't) swear in front of your parents - I'm the same (at 35 years old!) - its all a matter of respect and knowing whats right and whats wrong. Surely he knows that its wrong to do it - could be he's just winding you up, particularly if he knows it annoys you. Give him a warning and then let him chose his punishment if it happens again (money in the swear box, grounded, smack etc). He'll soon learn ....

[Sarah15]

swear jar always worked on me =]
and if he doesn't get pocket money try taking away privleges ?

[gadgetgeek]

Thanks all. Have sat down and agreed with him that any inappropriate use of language will result in 50p of his pocket money going into a swear box.If its empty at the end of the month I donate money to Help for Heroes, otherwise his 'donations' goes to that charity. Needless to say he prefers his money in his pocket plus the knowledge of my money going to his charity. He is, to date, really trying to stop 'playground' language. Thanks again