Potty Mouth

UPDATED 5/7/24






Having a child that has a potty mouth is not cute, funny, or cool. It is down right embarrassing because sometimes your child chooses to let loose some cursing at the most inopportune moments. So what’s a parent to do?










nationwidechildrens.org- What to Do When Your Child Swears

health.harvard.edu- What to do when your child swears

raisingchildren.net.au- Swearing: preschoolers

today.com- 6 ways to keep your kid from cursing

raisingchildren.net.au- Swearing: school-age children and pre-teens

empoweringparents.com- “F— You, Mom!” How To Stop Your Child From Cursing in Your Home

verywellfamily.com- How to Appropriately Discipline a Child for Swearing



Positive Behavior Supports

Another way of helping your child or teen to stop having a potty mouth is have a behavior contract which is a very useful tool for teaching responsibility as well. Have an agreement with your child and write it down. Having it written down the parents do not need to nag or argue with their child. Your child clearly understands what they are supposed to do and their part of the bargain. Make sure this goal is attainable or the child will become frustrated and not want to participate. This agreement is then transferred onto a chart specifying what you want your child to do during the week. It will also help to keep your child focused on their goal and it will reinforce good behavior.

Make a chart that rewards good behavior and incentives that they really like (time on the computer or TV, small toy, treat, etc.) Establish the amount of points they have to earn to receive various rewards in advance and put it on the chart. Post the chart where your child can see it. A posted chart is a good visual reminder to be consistent.

Example of goal: Tommy will use appropriate/proper language for 60 minutes.

When your child does not curse for 60 minutes, put a mark, sticker, etc. on the chart (chart is divided into hours). At the end of the day, both of you review the chart together and add up the number of points to see what reward your child has earned.

Make a new chart when your child’s abilities increase to promote good behavior and have it a collaboration with your child. (Example: Tommy will use appropriate/proper language for 2 hours.)

greenlight.com- How to make and use a behavior chart for kids

Using Behavior Charts- There are also behavior charts to print out on the left.

raisingchildren.net.au- Reward charts: positive behaviour strategy

steppingstonetherapy.org- How to Make a Behavior Chart that Actually Works

smartkidswithld.org- Behavior Chart Dos and Don’ts