Q: What should i do my almost 2 year old is walking around saying the d word. how should i get on to her? she doesnt understand it is bad. my husband cusses, but he is trying to stop now! what do i do?
A: since the 'wash your mouth with soap' routine is passe, i'd go with talking carefully, and firmly, with your child. do NOT scold her or shout at her. she won't understand. just make sure you show her an unhappy expression. then tell her that that's a bad word. and that no one else in the house is using that word so she shouldn't too (this also means your hubby really has to stop cussing. she got it from him, you know. :)). remind her every time she cusses. this will take a while for the child to digest, of course. she's only 2 years old. but if she doesn't hear that word again, she won't say it again. kids this age basically echo what they hear. so i'd keep a close watch on the tv shows she's exposed to as well.