The first time your child speaks is a moment you will remember forever.
The first time your child says a bad word is virtually guaranteed to happen in public.
He could have picked it up from seemingly innocuous movies or even snippets of conversation overheard from adults.
One thing is for sure though; toddler swearing is something every parent has to deal with at some point in the child's life.
When you hear your toddler swear for the first time, the most important thing you can do is also the hardest to carry out; you need to keep a straight face.
It may sound cute or shocking the first time you hear it, but any response you show gives the child a reason to do it again.
Children are natural attention-seekers, and if swearing gets him attention, then you can be sure your child will repeat it.
To hear a toddler swearing can be shocking at worst.
Set limits to what the child can or cannot say.
Firm statements about not using a specific word in the house or around people are more effective than telling the child not to use such language.
Alternatively, suggest clean versions of the same word if the child is bent on using something to express frustration or anger, or offer suggestions on how to deal with those feelings.
Use positive reinforcement like praise when the child behaves and uses clean language If a toddler is bent on swearing or unable to break the habit, then it's time to try some disciplinary tactics.
Time-outs should be given swiftly, calmly and consistently.
Explain to the child why he is being sent to a corner or his room before doing so.
Instant isolation that lasts perhaps ten minutes can feel like an eternity for very young children, reinforcing the lesson that swearing is not condoned.
If you are worried about your toddler swearing, something you can do as a responsible parent is to take stock of how you communicate with others.
Be honest with yourself and you might find that you need to clean up your language too! A parent's speech is one the things that makes the strongest impression on a child's growing vocabulary.
The things our children learn are a constant source of surprise, amusement and consternation.
As a role model, try to deal with issues reasonably and they will take their lead from you.
The first time your child says a bad word is virtually guaranteed to happen in public.
He could have picked it up from seemingly innocuous movies or even snippets of conversation overheard from adults.
One thing is for sure though; toddler swearing is something every parent has to deal with at some point in the child's life.
When you hear your toddler swear for the first time, the most important thing you can do is also the hardest to carry out; you need to keep a straight face.
It may sound cute or shocking the first time you hear it, but any response you show gives the child a reason to do it again.
Children are natural attention-seekers, and if swearing gets him attention, then you can be sure your child will repeat it.
To hear a toddler swearing can be shocking at worst.
Set limits to what the child can or cannot say.
Firm statements about not using a specific word in the house or around people are more effective than telling the child not to use such language.
Alternatively, suggest clean versions of the same word if the child is bent on using something to express frustration or anger, or offer suggestions on how to deal with those feelings.
Use positive reinforcement like praise when the child behaves and uses clean language If a toddler is bent on swearing or unable to break the habit, then it's time to try some disciplinary tactics.
Time-outs should be given swiftly, calmly and consistently.
Explain to the child why he is being sent to a corner or his room before doing so.
Instant isolation that lasts perhaps ten minutes can feel like an eternity for very young children, reinforcing the lesson that swearing is not condoned.
If you are worried about your toddler swearing, something you can do as a responsible parent is to take stock of how you communicate with others.
Be honest with yourself and you might find that you need to clean up your language too! A parent's speech is one the things that makes the strongest impression on a child's growing vocabulary.
The things our children learn are a constant source of surprise, amusement and consternation.
As a role model, try to deal with issues reasonably and they will take their lead from you.