How to Stop a Teenager From Swearing

Teenagers push many boundaries, and one of those boundaries is swearing. As a teenager begins to grow up, they will try using language in a variety of ways to see what results they get. They will soon learn that there is power behind swear words, and they may like some of the results they get from it.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to when your teenager is swearing. The next time you hear them swear, determine if they are doing it out of anger, to push someone's buttons, to be cool or just inserting it into normal conversation. Figuring out when your teenager is swearing will help you understand why they are swearing.

2. Discuss swearing with your teenager to figure out why they are doing it. By figuring out why they are swearing, you can devise ways to stop them. Approach your teenager with a conversational tone, letting them know through your words and actions that you love them and you are trying to help them.

3. Explain to your teenager why the swearing is inappropriate. Talk with them about how it makes them appear to others, especially older adults and authority figures.

4. Brainstorm with your teenager to help them find ways they can get the same message across without swearing. Talk with them about how to show their anger in a respectable manner and how to still be cool without swearing. Make them a part of the process and come up the solutions together.

5. Ask you teenager to quit swearing. Explain that there will be consequences if they continue to swear, and lay out exactly what those consequences will be.

6. Enforce the consequences if your teenager continues to swear. Stay firm with your punishment and let your teenager know that you are doing it for their well being and because you love them.