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Are you a parent who is currently experiencing the joys of raising a toddler? If so, you might have discovered just how quickly they will copy what they hear, and incorporate new words into their vocabulary.
Ideally, one has to be very careful what they say in the hearing range of a child, especially an impressionable toddler. In reality, it is often the case that toddlers learn to repeat bad words, curse words that shock a parent when they hear them coming from their child's mouth. This is commonly termed "potty mouth" and can happen before you know it unless you are extremely careful with what you say around your toddler.
So, your toddler has developed a potty mouth? If you have reached this point, you might have realized that yelling at your child and acknowledging them when they say the bad word(s) works negatively in that the frequency of their saying the bad word(s) increases.
If you think about it, your child does not understand the meaning behind what they are saying. They've only heard the word used emotionally, and have learned that the word attracts the attention of their parent(s), so they are likely to use it to gain more attention, even if it is negative attention.
The child, when being scolded or punished, does not grasp that the word itself is wrong as much as the fact that it is making them gain notice. Although it is difficult to ignore such an occurrence, an effective approach would be not to acknowledge the bad word. Be prepared, this may prompt your toddler to begin repeating the word, perhaps more loudly, because they'll be watching you, their parent, and gauging your reaction.
Don't waver, and don't let on that they are gaining your attention in such a manner. If the frequency of their saying the word increases uncomfortably so or you feel you must correct them, simply tell them firmly yet in a level tone of voice "we do not say those words in this house" and then refuse to acknowledge them until they can speak politely. They will eventually tire of the game and the word will lose its effectiveness.
This will take some willpower on the part of the parent, but is necessary to curb the behavior in an effective manner. Every child is different, but toddlers are very bright individuals and learn quickly, so it is natural for them to attempt to manipulate their environment. Encourage them to do well, and discourage bad behavior without anger, or in the case of the "potty mouth", it could work against you, and make the situation worse.
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