How to get your kids to ditch the sailor talk

Kids can say the darndest things sometimes. Heck, it's become a lot more common with the evolution of TV, music, movies, and the internet becoming more a part of our daily everyday lives. In fact, it's become a lot easier for kids to pick up on cursing these days. Not saying every show you'll ever see on T.V. or music artist will curse, but it's becoming a lot more common as more shows, movies and artists try to push the envelope of the limits of free speech. However, there are ways in which to discourage your child to cursing.

1. TALK TO YOUR CHILD- When hearing your child curse for the first time, ask them where did they learn such words. Most importantly, let them know you don't approve of them using it. Then of course, you'll have to explain why you don't want them to use those words, then lay out some ground rules. Be stern and strict with them about it. Don't beat around the bush, and just be as direct as possible. Let them know that there will be consequences for their actions. However, you must be willing to follow it if they chose to disobey you.

2. ELIMINATE THE SOURCE-Once your child tells you where they learn those words, eliminate the source after you talked with them. If it turns out to be a neighbor, teacher, or a friend of theirs, then confront them about it. Let them know your not comfortable with them swearing in front of your kid, then demand they stop in a civilize manner. If it turns out to be a friend of theirs, then you can either a) talk to the child's parents about it, or b) tell your child that, "Just because everyone else decides to jump off a cliff, then you don't need to do it too" type speech.

If the source turns out to be something on TV, a movie, or on one of their favorite songs, then you might have to start monitoring what your kids watch and listen to more intently. Easier said than done, but there are ways you can do it without occupying too much of your time. TV's are now being built in with V-chips that allow you block out any show you like. Just refer to your owners manual to learn how to set it up.

If it's an online source, then you might need to consult a computer expert to install software that will allow you to monitor your child's activities, and limit the computer's availability during certain times. Plus, having a password that only you know, for your your pc to access any adult content does help as well.

Optional Methods: Unlike the last two steps that I strongly recommend, these next tips are squarely optional as I'm sure some parents reading will probably disagree with some of the methods I suggest next. However, they are quite effective if you choose to look at them.

Swear Jar: For those unfamiliar with how it works, it's very easy. Simply, tell the child if they insist on cursing. Every time they swear they will have to put in money into the swear jar. Now how much they need to put in for each curse word(s) and what happens to the money is entirely up to you. However, it's important you make them follow this procedure as it's the only way they'll learn. Sadly though, the one flaw about this method is that it only works if the child is receiving a regular allowance and/or they already have money saved up. Otherwise, you might have to resort to other methods.

Washing Mouth Out With Soap: Some parents do this to discipline their child for using profanity. However, I've never met any parents in real life that do this, but I've been told it can be quite effective. Just be sure to always have a bar of unused soap (after all you wouldn't want the child to accidentally swallow any hairs from its' previous use). Then run the soap through some water, then force the child to keep the bar of soap in their mouth for whatever duration of time you see fit. Doing this will obviously leave a bad taste in the child's mouth, as they'll probably think twice before doing it again.

Grounding: I would only advise doing this after you've done necessary steps 1 and 2, where I would advise you to talk to the child and eliminate the source. Then you can use grounding as a threat if they were to ever curse again. How long you can ground them for is entirely up to you. I think at least a week would be good but if you feel that's too harsh, then make it only a few days. Grounding of course, isn't limited to and can include up to taking away their privileges like T.V., video games, talking on the phone, hanging out with their friends, listening to music, and even limiting their time outside the house. Take in mind, if you have a rather defiant and rebellious child, then it might be best to check up on them periodically to make sure they're not trying to escape from their punishment. As some children who are rebellious tend to do.

Spanking: I know I'll probably get a lot of flak for this optional method. However, since it is a method some parents use, I have to say it. You can always spank your child if their profanity continues to get out of line. I would only advise this method as solely as a last resort if the other methods I previously mentioned fail to work. Otherwise, I wouldn't advise it as you could potentially injure the child severely, depending on the method of spanking (i.e. bare bottom or still wearing pants. Using a belt, hand, a paddle and etc). Plus, depending on the child's age, you could potentially shatter their self esteem and/or cause a severe emotional fear of you over time from doing this. However, if the child is truly that rebellious, then you might not have much of a choice than to follow this method. Sure, they may end up hating you and never trusting you again for a while, but it'll get the job done and it will definitely make them think twice before ever disobeying you again. You can take that advice for whatever it's worth, but I would only recommend it as a last resort.

I hope for those of you that read this article, found my advice helpful and will hopefully try some of this advice on their own children. Or if you have no kids, then I hope this article helps you later on down the road if you do decide to have kids of your own someday. Anyway, I hope you all have a b****ing nice day, and f***ing have a happy Easter d*** it!