Help with my toddler!?

Question

My 2 1/2 year old has recently discovered some not so nice words. I was just wondering when she says them, which do you think is better, to ignore it so as not to give her attention when she says it. Or to tell her that those words are bad and she shouldn't be saying them. It seems with two year olds when you tell them NOT to do something they do it anyways.

Answer 1

I found that chastising sometimes makes it worse, they realise they can say it and get a big reaction, its depends if she is just saying it because its something she has picked up and doesn't really know its bad, if thats the case then ignore it, if she recognises its a bad word, tell her that its not polite to say such a thing but dont make a big deal out of it.
If my nine year old swears I tell him that swear words are for people that dont have a very rich vocabulary and I tell him a much grander (and nicer) word or saying he can put in its place

Answer 2

All parents go through this at some time with their children. When my daughter says something I do not like (whether it be a cuss word or just making a comment I think is hurtful) I address her about it. I can tell by the look on her face when she is just trying out a word to see what I will do or if she really does not know what she is saying. So, I just explain to her that we have other words that we can use and come up with something that is fun for her to say instead and then she becomes preoccupied with the new word instead of the bad word that she said. Then when something happens I try to say what I told her to say instead of the words that I would blurt out without thinking in order to set a good example. Something as simple as "Oh no!" or "Oh my goodness!" is what worked for me and my daughter.

Answer 3

I have a 3 year old son and from experience i say ignore them. When you give them attention for something wheather it's good or bad attention they keep saying it. like you said when you tell them no that makes them want to do it more. Ignore her then try to change the subject and just act like she never said it. She's really to young to understand why some words are bad and others are not. other than being embarrassing in public, its just a word. Try to watch what she hears too they like to copy mommy! good luck

Answer 4

First of all, dont overreact. But I would not ignore it either. Tell her that the words are bad/not nice to say and give a brief explanation why (could get in trouble at daycare, hurt someone's feelings, etc). Whatever you do dont laugh or talk about it with someone else so she can hear you, because that may confuse her to think that it is OK. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Never ignore it because then they think its ok. As soon as he/she says a bad word just say aww thats a no no. Or give a big expression like oooooo thats not nice and sooner or later when he/she hears someone else say a bad word they will also say awww or oooo..gl

Answer 6

Honestly as long as you aren't in public or have company over I like the idea of ignoring her.

Answer 7

what i did is when my 2 year old said sh+it We said No it's sit.. he forgot all about that word in like a week.