how do you stop your child from talking about potty humor and private parts?

Question

My 5 y/o daughter is obsessed with potty humor. Anything to do with "poop," "pee" or "butts" is absolutely hilarious to her. Ok I'll admit it was funny when she was younger, but it's just not funny anymore and it's gotten to the point where she thinks it's funny to talk about vaginas and penises. I cringe whenever I hear my little girl say penis! I've tried everything I can think of to discourage this behavior, but nothing seems to work. I'd really appreciate any advice other parents might have. Thanks.

No, it's not my fault...

Btw, I choose not to spank my children.

Answer 1

she is repeating the behaviour because she got a response from others. You need to not smile, laugh. Nothing. Stop what you are doing get down to her level, and tell her "No body thinks that's funny, we don't talk about that in public." she'll stop if you are consistent. BUT you don't want to go too far, it's important that she doesn't get the idea that she should be ashamed. You need to let her know that it is okay to be curious and ask about her body, but it is not okay in public. good luck!

Answer 2

I'm with Salty, potty humor IS funny! Especially at 5 yrs old. I'd focus on teaching her to talk appropriately in some places, such as in public or around grandparents etc, but I don't think there's anything wrong with her joking about bodily functions, that are very funny. I don't think punishing her for this is appropriate at all, it would be an extreme over reaction.

Who knows, she might be the next upcoming saturday night live star, I'd nurture her love of humor and comedy, but teach her when it is appropriate and when it is not.

Answer 3

Caveat: I never had children, so bear that in mind!

First of all, no, it ISN'T your fault.

We are, however, living in a world where potty-mouthed chanters are given Grammy Awards, so your job as a mother (always hard enough) is that much tougher.

I'd make sure that my little girl never got any mixed messages from me: that these words always, always make mommy really angry, and always (always!) resulted in (insert favorite punishment here).

I have heard it said that consistency is the key: every time she pipes up with "@!#%!!", no matter where you are or what you are doing, everything must come to a screeching halt, and the Punishment of Choice must happen at once.

This means, of course, there will be a few interrupted shopping trips, or other embarrassing scenes, but the good news is that kids are sharp, and the learning curve on this one is steep: she'll figure out pretty quickly that "@!#@!" gets her (Punishment of Choice), over and over.

I certainly wish you the best of luck with this one; I applaud you as someone (maybe the only one in your state, who knows!) to insist on certain standards of speech at home.

Answer 4

(Sigh) Seems so many parents these days are afraid to tell their children what's appropriate and what's not. That seems especially true if the subject has to do with "private parts" or body functions, ie. potty training, etc.
I fear we have listened to too many so called "experts" who have psco-babbled parents into being afraid that they may "damage" their child pschologically just by telling them to "Knock it off".
The answer to your question is to just tell her that it's not an appropriate subject to talk about to whomever she pleases and that it's a private subject. If she doesn't knock off the potty talk, she'll be punished in whatever kind of way you discipline her for any other way she doesn't mind you.
Believe me, you WILL NOT be harming your daughter in any way by just telling her it's not an appropriate subject for just any audience! Just use common sense and step up to the plate!

Answer 5

honestly when i was 5 i thought that stuff was funny. So its probably just a phase. but if you really dont think it is then sit them down and tell them that its not good to talk about such things and that if they keep doing it then you will have to punish them wether that punishment be by time out or spanking them. If your Christian then tell your daughter that God doesnt like it wehn people talk openly about those things. sometimes fear works. I hope one of these things works for you.

Answer 6

like everything else with kids the more you tell them not to do it the more they will do it..
however penis and vagina are perfectly normal English words and used in the right context should not be a problem..
i have 5 kids and they all went through a small period of this type of behavior,,,
curious as to where she is hearing these things discussed though???

Answer 7

You can ignore her...or you can explain to her that it is not approptiate and you will no longer tolerate it.

Tell her she is a young lady and you expect her to act like one.

If she does not listen, tell her the punishment. And the enforce it. Maybe 5 minutes time out for 1st offense, then increase each time.

If she goes a whole day without being bad, treat her with a special treat. ANd tell her you like when she acts grown up

Answer 8

At 5 years old, I'd say she's old enough to be punished for bad behavior. 15 minutes in the corner, or maybe a favorite toy taken away for a day. It won't take her long to get tired of being punished.

Answer 9

You beat them! Beat them senseless! Corporal punishment needs to be brought back into the system. That'll teach them to talk about stuff like that here. Also, your child might be on this site.

Answer 10

just ignore the comments. by giving attention to her (whether pos or neg) you are encouraging the behaviour. be sure to react when she talks about 'normal' things. she will soon figure out that toilet humour has no affect on people and will stop using it! good luck with that, it will be hard to do but it will be worth the effort.