swearing 3 year old.

[rachel79]

Hi, very embarressing problem, about 6 months ago whilst unpacking my shopping i dropped a tin on my toe and said the F word. Now every time my 3 and 1/2 year old gets cross or frustrated he shouts this word. I know its my fault and I am very ashamed but it was a one off. Ive tried ignoring him, given him a smack and put him on the naughty step but he just wont stop. I really dont know what to do, my 7 year old has never sworn. and some of the looks I get from dissaproving people when we are out make me feel like im such a bad mum. please help, thanks. x

[rachel79]

that is supposed to say 3 and a half year old,

[TheGopher]

My advice is totally ignore him. Just carry on as if you haven't heard. He does not understand the meaning of the word so you can't explain why it is naughty. If you react he just gets your attention and probably enjoys it!! I know it is embarrasing, but just ignore the looks and 'tuts' you get. He will soon get fed up. You don't swear regularly in your family so he will soon forget this and find something else to amuse himself.

Try dropping something on purpose and shout out 'Lollipops' or something similar, he might pick up on this!!!

[fawna]

I agree. I have a son the same age who picks things up from all over the place. Even people walking past him in the street whilst swearing. He knows the words he's not allowed to say and usually doesn't. If he does though it is purely for a moment of attention, ignore it.

[PinkFizz]

Agree with The Gopher - I would drop something and say the silliest word you can think of - "oh tiddleywinks" or something.Guarantee he will latch on straight away.Let us know what happens.

[suffragette]

I agree with Gopher. When my girls were younger my husband and I forced ourselves to use something innoffensive when things went wrong. I would say 'diddlydum' and he would use some daft phrase he heard as a child when visiting the circus in France. As a result we never had to experience the heart stopping nightmare of hearing your toddler out-swear a navvy.

[rachel79]

thank you all so much for your answers, i will definatly try saying a silly word like lollypop or something, ill let you know how it goes.

[galaxy]

I would not ignore him. If you do, you may think it has gone away until one day he says it at the worst time possible.

The world is full of people swearing so he will hear it again one day.

When mine swore, I threatened him with the old wash your mouth out with soap. When he swore again, I took him upstairs and did it.

Not very nice I know but trust me, he hasnt sworn since.

[TheGopher]

Personally, I don't believe in installing fear into a child, but do believe in reasoning. With respect, 'galaxy', at 3.5 years they don't understand the difference between bad and good words or the reasoning behind not swearing.

At three a child can't physically protect themselves from having their mouth washed out with soap and water, an older child would struggle against it - and let's face it is an abusive act. Your actions will certainly teach your child not to swear in front of you, but who knows what will happen behind your back?

[rachel79]

this morning in the car he said bloody about 4 times, but i just ignored him and he stopped straight away. normally i tell him off and he carries on but not today. i will keep up the ignoring.

[TheGopher]

Well done! Keep up the good work.

[fawna]

Well done! I do think it is the best way, at that age you can't explain to him that it's wrong, but when they don't get a reaction to it they hopefully soon lose interest!