WDYD about bad language?

katie277s

DS has recently started saying "Where the hell are we?" or "What the hell is going on?"  He isn't saying it looking for a reaction, more like he heard DH and I say it and is totally genuine when asking.  We told him that is a naughty word and not to say it anymore.  

Earlier today, while playing with his Hot Wheels, he said "What the hell is going on?" to his cars and DH sent him to time out.  We are not really sure what to do, because he isn't saying it and looking at us like "Hahaha, I said it" but just says it while playing.  How do you get him to stop?  I don't want him going to school saying it, yet like I said, it's just coming out.  (And making me and DH realize that we REALLY need to pay attention to what we say around him.).  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

butterbeansmama

If it's not being said out of spite and he stops saying it when asked, then I just explain to him that it is not a nice word and he is not to say it.

If he continues to say it purposely then he would go into time out.

Preston has started to say "Darn It" (although it isn't a bad word per say, I still don't like it). :-)

JoyGotDots

Give him an alternative phrase to say.  And then use it yourself.  "What on earth?" is what I use in the classroom.

ETA:  When he does say "What the hell" give him a chance to practice saying whatever better phrase you have for him.  At this point in the game I wouldn't punish him for it.  Give him a chance to learn what you expect from him before going that route.

Zenya

JoyGotDots:

Give him an alternative phrase to say.  And then use it yourself.  "What on earth?" is what I use in the classroom.

ETA:  When he does say "What the hell" give him a chance to practice saying whatever better phrase you have for him.  At this point in the game I wouldn't punish him for it.  Give him a chance to learn what you expect from him before going that route.

This.   Definitely not time-out territory. He learned it from you!   DS has come out with some real doozies. But that's my lesson to learn - not his, IMO.