Afternoon everyone,

This is my first post to ivillage so bare with me.

My just turned 3 year old daughter has managed to pick herself up a very clever swearword, or so she thinks.. In actual fact it's pretty horrific and i'm extremely disappointed in myself for using it on the odd occasion infront of her and for not speaking up when it's said by others in her presence, when she first said it admittedly i behaved in the worst possible way by completely exploding into a rage which has proved it gets her the attention. Now it's stuck in her head and she just won't stop, She'll cover her mouth and say it quietly then look at me and smile knowing i've heard it, I have tried to sit her down and explain it's very naughty and that i don't want to hear it anymore, but it blew straight in one ear and out of the other.
I just don't know how to get it out of her, I've ignored it, shouted, put her on the naughty step and explained about it. I'm so ashamed, I've stopped taking her to her playgroup through complete fear of her saying it infront of people, this has already happened at my mothers which didn't go down a treat, whenever i take her out i'm nervous and my stomach turns just waiting to hear it. But i know i can't lock her away forever so i need some serious help to combat this and put a firm stop to it.

As a last resort i have tried to cover it with some other funny words for her to say instead of the swearword but it's clear she's stuck with it

Any comments are most highly appreciated, Thanks

Rebecca

Ohnoooooooooo out of the mouth of babes!

All kids pick up and repeat what we don't want them to, a good lesson has been learnt lol!

If she says it, reply with a "no, we do not say that word, did you mean .....?" and then add something like fiddlesticks or goodness me etc!

Then explain that you are not cross but some mummies and daddies/grownups may get cross if she says it.

She is a little young for big explanations but remember they learn from example, set up your own swear box if need be, control your anger in situations , ie, use silly words like fiddlesticks etc  and hopefully she will find she follows suit.

Good luck and welcome to Ivillage!

You are not alone in struggling with a child using bad language, even if you didn't say it once or twice she would have sadly heard it elsewhere!

Fm x

Hiya,

I would very calmly change the word she said for a more appropriate one - ie when she says it repeat the word you want her to use (maybe a funny one - "jelly" always got my kids giggling!), ignoriung the bad one. Maybe try and use the better word yourself more so she picks up on it quicker (not that i am saying you use the bad word but if she hears the good word lots in may stick quicker!).

hth

Sara x

Hi Rebecca

My DD has also been known to have a potty mouth on occasion. Where I can usually stop myself in time my Dh is a little explosive in his vacabulary! I always make sure he is told off if he says a bad word and DD takes great pleasure in telling him off.

I think in your case your DD just loves seeing your reaction. I would certainly not avoid taking her out becasue of it. How many strangers passing by in the street can actaully understand a 3 year olds words? And if you ignore it the chances are they will think they misheard.

We like to use alternative words. My favorite is 'OH BARNACLES' a la Spongebob.

Cliche but true - its a phase;)