is it normal for a 2 1/2 year old to say bad words.?

Question

i know he has heard them from us but we really do not curse often however i think he heard them more from the television. does this mean i am a bad mother. i am so embarressed.

Answer 1

Well, odds are he picked it up from you or from something you let him watch. You've learned what little parrots kids can be and how quickly they pick up on everything! Now you get to break him of the habit and will have to be more cautious of what you say around him and what you let him watch. Good luck "unteaching" him the choice vocabulary words he's picked up!

Answer 2

I believe it is normal for children to pick up bad language, especially if it is uttered in a hushed tone or shouted. Unfortunately people usually don't say "bad words" at a normal speaking pitch. Research on how the brain picks up language seems to indicate that swear words are stored in a different part of the brain than normal vocabulary, so now that your child knows the words are bad, he's created a mental reservoir to store them in.

I don't think you're a bad mother. Just make sure that you're not too hard on him for using the words, but don't let him think it's okay either. Although swearing babies amuse me, I'd be a little embarassed to be their parent.

Also, just an interesting tidbit, most of what we call "bad words" were at one time legitimate English (Anglo-Saxon) words. After the Norman invasion, French became the official language of England. The aristocrats spoke French and the poor people spoke English. Therefore the poor people's words for certain things because the "bad" words. Since then, English as we know it has borrowed many terms from other Germanic and Romance languages, but the original English words are still thought of as the bad words.

Answer 3

Yes, its pretty normal....right now he is a human tape recorder or parrot (whichever you want to choose). He will come out of it, tell him it is an adult word and he should not say it. It will take a little while until he finally understands that he can't say everything that he hears but you'll be ok. And I'm sure you're a great mom! By the way kids and embarressment go hand in hand!

Answer 4

Little ones pick things up very quickly. But fortunately, they also forget pretty easily, too. Make a conscious effort not to use the curse words in front of him or to watch programs in front of him that are inappropriate for his age. An important thing is not to overreact when he does say the words you wish he wouldn't; that way he won't relate getting your attention to using those words. This definitely does not make you a bad mother - none of us have all the answers, parenting is trial and error, so don't be so hard on yourself and just enjoy being a Mom.

Answer 5

No, you're not a bad mother. But children tend to mimic others in actions and words. Try to be more conscientious how you speak and act in front of your child. I do believe that a lot of children pick up bad behavior from t.v. Try to monitor what you're child watches. Even seemingly innocent shows have bad language. When your 2 year old says something bad, let him know immediately that it is inappropriate behavior and that you do not approve. Don't laugh when he says bad words because he may associate it as a positive reaction. Children crave their parents approval, so I'm sure if you remain consistent with correction, everything will be just fine.

Answer 6

It is not unusual because they are at that age where they are very verbal and they pick up on everything being said around them. They really don't know any better. I know a lot of two year olds who cursed one time or the other. You are not a bad mother. You need to explain to your two year old that saying those things are unacceptable. He or she will understand. This is just a phase that will pass. Don't worry about it. Best wishes

Answer 7

No, this is very young for them to pick up bad words.

He's precocious! LOL. But you don't want him to be, not in that way!!!

It's convenient to blame the TV, and I'd do the same thing.
You're not a bad mother, but you do need to tackle this problem, or it will get worse & worse. You may not be able to inspire your husband to join along, but when just you and your son are at home, tell each other you are sorry whenever you say a bad word. He has to know that swearing is not good for anybody. If he doesn't respond to that, make him sit in time out when he says a bad word.

I totally disagree with parents who tell their kids, "It's OK for me to swear because I'm a grownup, but you can't." That's hogwash, and the kids know it, and they just grow up thinking their parents are phony.

Answer 8

All children repeat whatever they hear.If you swear around your children or have the t.v. on and the programs have profanity...chances are pretty good that your child will curse. In my opinion I would change the language that you or anyone else uses around him(and apologize if you slip) and keep an eye on what t.v. shows he watches. I know it's hard sometimes..to watch your mouth but, you really have to unless you want to end up with your child getting kicked out of pre-school for cursing at the teacher... and that did happen to my husbands nephew. Good luck!

Answer 9

My just-turned 3yo says D-it any time something doesn't go his way....we are trying to break him of it. Now he still says it but reminds us every time we say an 'ugly word'. Of course for him ugly words include such things as 'pick up toys' and 'bedtime'. But he will say D-it and then say, "Oops, that's an ugly word. Sorry Mom." I'm sure you've been around those men who use cuss words but usually apologize when they do it in front of a woman? That's how he is. If he's really ticked, he won't apologize- if he's more mildly upset, he will. We're also working on breaking him of 'stupid', 'butthead', and the lovely 'weinerhead' all of which he picked up from his dear little stepbrother who is allowed to say those things. Don't feel bad- all kids do it.

Answer 10

Well Mom, Embarrassed is GOOD! Now you know how destructive T.V. is to kids. This means that you are a GOOD MOM, because you learned from the experience!
Play places, reading to the child, and videos that you have bought and previewed work wonders for learning.
Wiggles are great, Thomas the Train is pretty cool and so are the Leggo tapes of little folks in a leggo world!
Good luck young Mom!

Answer 11

My son is 2 1/2 and he has heard us say **** and **** and asshole. Although it is so rare that he hears us say it he picks it up. He is too young to get a lecture and because it so important to me that he not say it to people I ignore it so he doesn't think it bad and then it is more exciting to use these words. He eventually stops using the word after he sees it has no effect on us. Also, he always watches kids channels and I NEVER watch anything bad in front of him, try to curb his TV watching. Only Noggin or Nick or Disney or tapes that's it.

You're not a bad Mom.