1. Be Realistic
Kids curse—on the bus, in the halls, in class, and in notes to each other. Your job is to acknowledge this reality and be a buffer to help your child filter them out.
2. Set Clear Rules
Make it clear that certain words will not be tolerated. Define the words you consider cursing. Be clear about the consequences of breaking the rules on inappropriate language.
3. Set the Example
You may not see the proof of this, but your children ARE listening to you. If you curse in front of your kids, they are going to repeat it eventually. Set the example for your entire family and remove those words from your vocabulary.
4. Higher Standard
Some people view cursing as a lack of intelligence. That is debatable. However, the English language provides ample choices as replacements. Set a higher standard by learning new and proper words to describe your feelings.
5. The “Cuss” Jar
A family favorite to curb cursing. Anyone caught using the words defined in your home as cursing, shall pay a fine. Dad may be the biggest contributor. This will help you clean up your act. Every few months, take the money you collect and donate it to a ministry.
6. Choice Of Friends
Who is your child hanging out with? Do you know them well? The use of profanity could be a possible indicator of even worse behavior. Teach your child to choose friends that hold their same values. Peer pressure is powerful tool for positive influences too.
7. Give Respect
It’s called cursing because it means “to wish or invoke evil, calamity, injury, or destruction upon a person, group or thing.” So the idea of using that kind of language while you’re talking to your child is hurtful—to him and to you. You don’t want that for your child! You want to hold them in esteem and to honor them…to bless them and not curse them. Swearing at each other is ultimately a lack of respect. Commit to always respect each other through good times and bad. Verbal abuse is not respect.
8. Avoid The Distraction
Sometimes children will use profanity as a way to get your attention or to detract from something else. Don’t fall into that trap. Recognize that the distraction is actually a cry for your attention and address the deeper issue at hand. After you’ve assessed the immediate need, you can come back around to the unacceptable use of inappropriate language, but don’t let that be your primary focus.
9. Use The Gadgets
If the problem with profanity persists with your child, don’t be afraid to go for the gadgets. What gadgets? The iPod, the iPad, the iPhone, the X-Box. Whatever gadget or thing your child values highly is a potential source for training and correction. Taking one away—even for a short time—gets their attention quickly and gives them time to think about their choices.
10. Use Your Tongue to Build Up, Not Tear Down
Our tongue is a fire and can burn and hurt others. One of the best ways to quench that fire is to focus on using the tongue to build up and encourage other people. Proverbs says that “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Practice praise and your children will follow.
