What to do when a child starts using Bad Words?

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I decided to think about a good way of dealing with the 'bad word' problem when I heard a 2 year old and 3 year old saying them. First thoughts? I will give out to them.. but would this solve the problem? No it wouldn't. It would only make them angry and I can guarantee that eventually they would say it again.

So what did I do? I talked to the older child and asked where they heard it and explained that sometimes adults say them words but this is not the language that children can use and I asked just not to use it. I started thinking about the way I dealt with the problem. Was it the right way to deal with it? Did I say the right things? Or maybe I should of ignore what I heard?

Children always did, are and will copy their parents or people minding them. This is how they learn so I started watching my own language carefully. Even the tone of the voice can be copied by them. When you are mad and use that kind of angry tone of voice the children will learn from you and do the same.

It is easier when they are your children because you have to mind only your own language. What if they are children you are minding? This is the situation I was in and I honestly talked to the parents without blaming but I made them aware of that a child knows all  the bad words and knows when to use it.  I was lucky that parent did not feel offended and working close with the parent made it easier to stop bad word saying.

How would you deal with it? Does your child use bad words? What was your first reaction?

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Time out/bold corner?

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Bold corner, naughty step, thinking time or just time out? Whatever we use it is important that we follow the steps. There are situations when it is necessary to give a children a time to calm down and think about their behaviour. Your child has a tantrum because she/he want sweets instead of dinner? Is your child slapping you, spitting on you, biting or calling you names? Here are few steps to follow when your child is just crossing the line and you want to put them in 'bold corner':

1. A warning! Give your child know that the behaviour is not acceptable and give them a warning that if they will not stop there will be consequences! If child decides not to listen then..

2. Bring your child into the bold corner. It is important that this is always the same place so your child doesn't get confused. Then explain the reason why your child is there.

3. Set the time. One minute for each year of age so 3 year old stays there 3 minutes.

4. Every time child leaves chosen place bring him/her back. Very important is not to talk to your child or have a discussions. Just put them back into the bold corner in silence as many times as necessary. Every time child leaves the bold corner the time counting starts again.

5. Teach apologising. After your child finish their bold corner time, explain again what was the reason that you put them there for and ask your child to apologize, give you a hug or kiss or both. It is important that your child knows that you love him/her.

Parent can choose if they will use it or not. It all depends how they want to bring up their children. I am not saying it is for everyone but these steps will work the best for any parent who chooses to use this method.

Does this 'bold corner' method work for you? Have you any other good methods to make sure your children will listen and behave properly?

Computer games, internet, iphones, tablets.. is it really good for children?

Technology is everywhere.. Parents have a difficult decisions to make: Should I buy a tablet for my child? Maybe computer games will keep my children occupied? 

www.emergingedtech.com

www.theonlinemom.com

Parents decisions are influenced by many factors like child targeted TV advertising. But is it all? Other parents and children influence them too. Some parents that invest in technology believe that it is good for children, keep them occupied, children will learn early how to use it. Do children at age 4-5 years old or younger really need technology?

www.telegraph.co.uk

I see children playing outside, everyday finding new things to play with, coming up with the ideas for new games to play, building houses using things they find in the house and having fun creating things. I believe that technology does not teach creativity and use of imagination. Playing does and small children should be encouraged to play, run around and make up their own games. There will be time for technology and I am sure that parents will learn a lot from their children about technology but please let your children to be children! They will need their imagination and creativity when they grow up and they should be allowed to develop it now in order to use it later. What do you as parents think about technology for young children?