LiannC

My 16 month old son picked up the "S" word and repeatedly says it. Its funny but at the same time its not.. I dont want people to think I raise my son with cursing and bad habits. I try to get him to say other words when he starts saying the "S" word like "kitty" or anything else that isnt similar to the "s" word. He drops something he says "Oh S***" and repeats it several times. Any suggestions???

Stephanie2377

He is still very young, and doesn't yet grasp that the word he is saying is something you don't want him to say. He obviously uses it in context, which really is funny (yet not funny, of course) Did he pick it up from your hubby? My 2yo will say "GOOD LORD!" when something exasperates him, thanks to my husband. *sheesh*
At this age, I would just ignore it. He will say it over and over and over if he gets a reaction from you. You can model other words to say, like "UH OH!" when you drop something. Or, when he says it, you can always say "Oops.. you dropped it. Let's say UH OH!" and see if he will follow suit.
If he were older, you could really work on helping him to understand that "S**T" isn't a word used in your house. And, instead, you can say "UH OH" or any other word chosen by your family.
He just isn't old enough yet to get that.
If your son says it in public and you know someone heard, I'd just roll your eyes and say "They are such parrots at this age! I am going to kill my husband!"

LiannC

Well he is mine and my husbands first child and we are both potty mouths.. We have been working on it. Just worried that hes gonna pick more up. This is definitly a sign for us to really watch what we say around him. He hasnt been saying it as much the last 2 days. But alot of that could be that we have been really careful about saying it around him. Even if we were to say "Sit" he would start saying the other word. It is funny haha but not a good thing Im glad I am a stay at home mom right now. This gives me the oppritunity to work with him. Thanks Stephanie

mamab

My brother is a prime example of children picking up what they hear. My parent's have "potty mouths," too. He completed my dad's tirade when someone cut him off. It started out with, "You sorry, mother f******" and lasted until the "son of *****." Unfortunately, my greatgrandmother was in the car, and she was a very prim and proper Southern Baptist. I'm sure my mother was extremely embarrassed. Luckily, they've cleaned up their mouths some and my kids haven't heard those particular expliciatives!

happy2bg33k

The best thing you can do is explain that's its not a word he should be saying and not reinforce it by reacting to him saying it. Then you have to try to limit his exposure to the word until he's old enough to understand why there are some words we say and some we don't. But, on the bright side, if he can say those words he has no speech delays! Those are very sophisticated sound combinations to make.

TracyW

OUCH! Yep, it's hard when those little ones pick up those nasty words. I would suggest doing some sort of punishing (taking away favorite toy or other favored object...to an extent of course) and eventually your child will put "two and two together". Good Luck and I feel your pain.

Kaytee

EEKS I'm not sure at 16 months he really knows what he is saying. I would sugest just ignoring it and see if he stops using it. Also maybe every time he says Aww S&&&, then you say back to him awww cud or whatever you would rather hear him say. Good luck

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LiannC

Thanks for the suggestions! I really appreciate it.. He hasnt been saying it as much lately since we have been more careful about it.

The other day there was one of his toys and a bottle on the night stand and he grabbed the toy and it hit the bottle and knocked it off. He looked at me then looked at the bottle and turned around to walk away.. as he turned he said "oh sh**" and went on too playing. It was funny but I didnt laugh or say no or anything and instaed of repeating it, he only said it once. Maybe by not responding to him is the best way to get this one to stop.. lol

Kaytee

you are probably right. He just might go and say it more if you make a deal out of it. Good or bad, kids love attention.

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LiannC

yea.. seems like if i try to get him to say something else or tell him no or even look at him, he says it more.