Like many parents, you wonder what is the right attitude to adopt when faced with the “pee poo” of the little brother or the vulgar words of the elder. Before you act, take the time to understand how these words got into your child’s vocabulary. Have they been heard at home, at school, as part of extra-curricular activities? Once this question has been clarified, the operation “stop bad words” can begin.
Focus on dialogue
From the age of 4, “blood sausage poo” and its derivatives make their appearance. They are linked to the development of the child, which corresponds to the phase of final acquisition of cleanliness. What is at the bottom of the pot or in the toilet, he would like to touch it, but it is forbidden. He then breaks through this barrier with words. They are spoken for fun and to test the limits imposed by adults. It is up to you, at this point, to explain that these expressions “exchanged between friends” have no place at home. But don’t worry, the famous “blood sausage poo” is having its day and disappearing.
However, they risk being replaced by coarser words. Most of the time, the child does not know the meaning. “You have to tell the child what swear words mean and what hurtful consequences they can have. Punishment is not the solution. ”, says Elise Machut, educator of young children.
It is also up to you, parents, to lead the investigation: did he say those bad words to “copy someone”, is this a need for rebellion or a way of expressing his aggressiveness? “In the little ones, the presence of profanity is often linked to the family context. You have to admit your mistakes and be an example for your child. If he also says bad words at school, hold him accountable. Encourage him to become the “good example” among his friends “, underlines Elise Machut.
Consider establishing with him a code for using vulgar words :
> what is forbidden. You can’t talk to people like that, otherwise it becomes an insult and it can hurt a lot.
> which is less serious. The dirty word that escapes in an annoying situation. These not very pretty swear words that hurt your ears and that you have to learn to control.
In any case, the right attitude to adopt is to react right away and ask the child to apologize. It must also be one of your reflexes if a curse escaped your mouth, under penalty of losing all credibility with your toddlers.