BAD WORD!!! Help.

3 years old is pretty young. He will learn many more words from other children, who probably have older brothers and sisters. I would use a very gentle approach. Gently remind your son each time he says "stupid" with what some of the other mom's have suggested. Keep your voice calm and sweet. "Sweetie, let's find a nicer word to express your feelings. The word "stupid" can really hurt feelings." Help your child brainstorm for more appropriate language for the situation without making too big of a deal. Be prepared to do this over and over and over. I agree with all the other mom's......over reacting with compound the problem. Some children are more difficult to get the message across, just consistently remind your child in a kind way and don't expect immediate results.

Also, if Elija calls you "stupid" or tells you to "shut up" you can patiently respond with a Love and Logic technique by saying "I will listen to what you have to say to me when you use nice words and a soft voice like I am." Then go about your business. Don't snub your child. Just don't engage in conversation until he calms down. As soon as he calms down, even a little, jump in there and praise him. That's your chance to talk about a "nicer" way to speak ~ just be careful not to lecture. After one or two sentences kids stop listening.

B., one last thing. I will mention it even though this may not be you at all, but most of us Mom's struggle with worrying about what the other mom's will think and jump on our kids quickly if they error. I know I've done it! If that is you, try to let that go. We don't have to prove to other people that our intention is to bring up well mannered and well behaved children. We all do the best we can and it is my strong belief that patience and kindness works best.....even in the most embarrassing situations.

My Best,
P.

He probably likes to get a reaction from you and the other person involved...next time you hear it, apologize to the other person involved...something like "oh, Bobby, I am so sorry that Elija said that ugly word to you. We don't like to use that word in our family because it sounds so ugly and hurts other people's feelings. I am sure Elija will find a better way to speak with you next time." Don't say a word to Elija...he will get it. When he is not getting the attention and you are pouring it on the victim...he will realise that treating someone badly does not get your "sweet" attention.

I have always heard to ignore it but stupid is a different kind of word that you can hear all over, so its tricky! Just dont continue to make a big reaction or he will persist. He probably thinks WOW, this must be a really cool word to get mommy so upset!

Great advice from the others on here. If explaining & talking or time outs don't work there is always "sassy /ugly mouth spray." Name it whatever you want but the idea is the same; if your mouth is used to say mean/hurtful things then it needs to be cleaned. Our version is kept in a spray bottle & is roughy 90% water & 10% vinegar. Won't hurt them but tastes nasty! Sometimes talking only gets you so far then you have to put action behind it to let them know you are serious. Blessings!

First of all, don't get too upset when he does this. Make sure you are very calm. He has learned he can get a response out of you. Next, make him apologize before you punish him. They really hate to have to apologize, but it teaches the other side of the situation. So hold him firmly in front of the person and tell him to say he is sorry. Afterward, proceed to time out for whatever specified time or take away a favorite toy and set it in full view. This way he learns actions and consequences.

My 4 year old has discovered the word "bone-head" and was calling everyone bone-head - me, grandpa, brother, dad, even the dog! Only thing I can figure is that he picked it up from his 13 year old brother and friends. I tried spanking, time out and lecturing, and nothing was working for me, either. We were at McDonalds the other day and he was playing with a little girl that he started calling bone-head. I made him apologize to the little girl and told him he was not being a good friend and that no one would want to be his friend if he continued to say that word...It worked! He hasn't said it since.

I do like the idea of the bad word spray. If he picks it up again, I just might have to try that!