Explaining Unkind Words

If you know me well, you know I have a horrible trucker mouth but you won’t see my kids cursing or using unkind words.

Your kids will inevitably come home from school and say “that’s stupid” or copy you and say “oh sh!t” etc.

One of the things you will hear me saying a lot is “It’s my job to make sure you are a kind person.” When they come home saying “that’s so stupid,” don’t act shocked and try to remain calm. Squat down and say “hmm, that is an unkind word and one that I won't let you use. Pause and wait to see if your child responds. Then say, "it sounds like you are trying to tell me that you don’t like something" - and then have a conversation and help them verbalize what they don’t like in a kind and respectful manner.

Now when they hear you curse and say “Oh Sh!t” Stop, recognize and explain. “I missed the turn, and I was frustrated and I used an unkind word.

When you own up to the mistake of saying an unkind word and explain what you are feeling, it helps your kids understand how they should properly and safely express themselves.