We all know our kids can say some of the interesting and funny things. However, some of our children can say things that a child should not be saying. Is it OK for our children to swear? Majority of people say that a child should not be swearing. At what age makes swearing OK? 10? 15? 18? This is an issue people need to focus on and help fix in our society.
We have all been out in public and heard a child swearing. Some people think nothing of it, but a lot of people question, "Why is this kid saying that word?" Why do our children swear?
Psychological studies have proven children will mirror what their parents or older siblings do/say in the early stages of childhood development. Why is it that some of the things they pick up are only meant for adults to say/hear/do? In the early stages of childhood development, children pick up the actions and words from the environment that they are in. According to famous psychologist Erik Erikson, the age (nicknames "School Age") that children learn social interactions and the meaning of words are the six to 11 years old. During this time, it is crucial for our children to understand what words mean and what certain words can and can not be said.
Some of the time, the children may not even know what the word means. To them, it's a word they don't know, therefore it is a word they can say without realizing it is bad. At this point, it is the parent's responsibility to teach the child that it is a bad word and should not be said.
Many people believe the parents should be teaching their kids about bad words. What about when teachers try to discipline the children when one says a bad word in class? Does the teacher look bad because he/she is telling the child that the word shouldn't be used? A common pattern is the teachers say that parents should tell their kids not to swear, but the parents say the teachers should do the same.
Those who are not bothered by the swearing ignore it, or find it funny. Some television shows or videos on the internet should children swearing for a quick laugh. Is that still OK in out society? Is it because that it is on a screen and not in person that makes the issue OK?
Our children are our future generation. We are letting them say whatever they want without teaching or disciplining them on their speech. Too many parents ignore their child's mouth, when they need to tell them the bad words they say are not appropriate. The more parents that talk and teach their children about these bad words, the better we can make our community for everyone.
