How to Start a Swear Jar

With the fast-paced lives we all live today, it can be quite easy to get flustered. When we are flustered in life, we tend to swear more. We know it's not attractive. We know it sets a bad example for our kids, but it's tough to control that sudden impulse. Here are some ideas on how to start a swear jar that will help you, your kids and the rest of your family stop saying bad words.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Create the swear jar. Collect an old jar and then slice a hole into the top so that money can be deposited inside. Using a piece of paper and some tape or glue, place the words "Swear Jar" on the outside. Also list the rules right on the jar so that there will be no exceptions. Any member of the family who says one of the designated words will be forced to pay.

2. Set the price limit high. If the cost of swearing is only a nickel, people will be cussing all day long. Your kids will place a dollar in the swear jar and then have an absolute field day at your expense. Set the cost of a swear at at least a dollar. This way, the moment someone in your family swears, it takes a toll on their pocketbook or wallet.

3. Collect the money toward a worthy cause. Do not let the money go toward something like the family vacation. That is just more of an incentive to swear. Collect the money and donate it to charity, give it to your church or buy food for the homeless with it. The point is don't reward yourself, your kids or your family for swearing.

4. Enforce the swear jar amongst your family. No one is allowed to cheat, even you. Cheating will only prolong the habit and undermine the goal of having a swear-free environment. Lead by example. If you swear, pay up.

Resources

• This site will create a virtual swear jar for your blog.