Swearing & cursing outbursts

I ran across this article on kids swearing to express themselves.
After reading it, I thought parents don't purposely encourage their child to curse or swear,
but by allowing their children to hear cursing and swearing at home, parents are encouraging their kids to use swear words.
So what should a parent do to discourage or change behavior should their child begins cursing?


Photo credit: EmmiP from morguefile.com

I recommend for adults who use profanity or expressive curse words to take notice to limit certain words if within hearing range of young ears so those young don't hear or learn such descriptive words. I remember my parents spelling out words around us kids, though I doubt they were spelling swear or curse words.

I understand at times swearing and 'choice' curse words for expressing one's true feelings and emotions is appropriate. I don't deny using certain expressive words at times, but I do not use the Lord's name, or say, 'g.d' no matter how emotionally frustrated or upset I may be at the moment.

I believe if you have a decent vocabulary in your native language, you are more adequately equipped to verbally express your feelings tactfully and intelligently so the need for resorting to profanity or cursing isn't necessary expressing your thoughts or feelings.

Kids get emotionally charged and they mimic exactly what they've seen and heard from adults.

There are some general reasons why a person chooses to swear- for expressive, verbal emphasis, to feel 'macho' in a situation, and to help deal with feelings of discomfort.

All in all, heightened emotions are behind profanity, and often those words can be vile, hurtful and cruel when spoken to or about a person.
There are occasions when swearing is an appropriate means of expression, if done with respect for people who will be in earshot, especially children who are prone to repeating what they've heard.

Unfortunately, children do hear cursing and profanity, but may not fully know the meaning of the words. Before 'foul language' becomes habitual, I would hope an adult takes time and explains there's a more appropriate way to voicing one's thoughts and feelings which would also be more apt of getting help and attention and getting one's point and thoughts vocalized to another person.

I much prefer hearing kids saying the 'darndest things' like in this
vid with Art Linkletter.



and these kids....