You shift around to glance at your 6-year-old. You give him a heavy stare and then ask again, “What did you say?” He repeats the word again with the casualness of a morning greeting. Your 6-year-old just blurted a word of profanity!How do you handle this delicate situation? Well, there are several things you can do to discourage your child from saying bad words. Here are 6 productive ways to get started:
1.Try to determine if older family members, friends, or TV viewing are providing your child with the improper words he is using.
Young children are excellent mimickers. If they are hearing inappropriate words from those they regularly interact with, you might have a continuous battle trying to get them to stop using the words themselves. If you conclude they are getting the words from others around them, attempt to limit your child’s contact with these sources and mention your concerns to the individuals, as well.
Abu Hurairah [raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him)] reported: The Prophet [ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)] said, “A man utters a word pleasing to Allah without considering it of any significance for which Allah exalts his ranks (in Jannah); another one speaks a word displeasing to Allah without considering it of any importance, and for this reason he will sink down into Hell.” [Bukhari]
2. Explain to your child that the words he is using are not good words and that he is a Muslim, and Muslims should use decent words.
Teach him the hadith in which The Prophet (saw) said: Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say good or remain silent.” [Muslim]
Mention this hadith to your child often, not only during times of flagrantly ill speech, but also when he calls his friends and siblings hurtful names.
3. Provide your child with alternative words to use when he uses inappropriate words of a lower grade than profanity.
Tell him instead of using “, say “uninformed”. Instead of saying I hate Jamal, say Jamal “irritates” me. Children take pleasure in learning new words and phrases.
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