Dear Marsha,
My 4 year old son has started saying some naughty words, and others find it funny when he yells them out. When they laugh at him, he begins to say them over and over and laughs at himself which makes everyone laugh at him even harder. I do not want my son speaking this kind of language, and I tell him it is a “No No” and that is not a nice word, but I was wondering what was the best way to break him from saying them. I refuse to wash his mouth out with soap like my grandmother suggests.
Any Ideas?
Casandra D.
Dear Casandra D.,
The first and foremost thing you must do is to tell these friends of yours, (or whom ever laughs at your sons naughty words,) to stop laughing. Your son thinks he is doing something good to make others laugh at him. If you were to try to wash his mouth out with soap, I think it would cause much confusion for your child. We want him to be certain what he is doing is not polite, and to understand he is not to say such words.
Second, I would suggest he is to be monitored. He is picking up the words from somewhere. It could be anyone he is around, it could be from television, or it could be from the radio. Do not allow cursing around your son. Tell everyone they must keep there mouths rated “G” in his presence or ears range. You will also want to monitor what he watches on television or listens to on the radio, and make sure they are all kid friendly.
Lastly, I would continue to tell him that those words are “No No’s” and are not nice words. If he continues, then sit him in time out for a few minutes. I do not think any more than 5 minutes in time out would be necessary to get your point across to him.
Remember to stand firm and remain adamant on your rules in the house &/or around your son period. Rules are only effective when they are enforced.
Always,
Marsha
