Please enable JavaScript in your browser to experience all the custom features of our site.

RabbiHorowitz.com - Contemporary Parenting Questions

Mr. Harry Skydell, Chairman
Mr. Mark Karasick, Vice Chairman
Rabbi Yakov Horowitz, Director
Rabbi Avrohom M. Gluck, Director of Operations
The first 1000 members will have a chance to win a
16 GB
iPod
touch
with Rabbi Horowitz audio

Membership Benefits:

  • Save articles to your favorites folder.
  • Save and print selected articles in a PDF journal.
  • Receive emails containing the latest comments on your favorite articles.
  • Mark articles as "READ".
  • More member features coming soon...

Raffle Rules:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete the signup form and join as a member. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. All entries shall become the property of CJFL. CJFL is not responsible for lost, misdirected or delayed entries.

The contest is open to the general public. Members need to be at least 18 years old. Identification must be produced on request. Employees of CJFL, its raffle sponsor, advertising and promotional agencies and their respective affiliates and associates and such employees' immediate family members and persons with whom such employees are domiciled are excluded from this raffle. ALL PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED MEMBERS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED INTO THIS RAFFLE. The prize is not redeemable in cash and must be accepted as awarded. Decisions of the raffle judges are final - no substitutions will be available. By claiming the prize, the winner authorizes the use, without additional compensation of his or her name and/or likeness (first initial and last name) and municipality of residence for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner and in any medium (including without limitation, radio broadcasts, newspapers and other publications and in television or film releases, slides, videotape, distribution over the internet and picture date storage) which CJFL may deem appropriate. In accepting the prize, the winner, acknowledges that CJFL may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize. CJFL retains the rights, in its absolute and sole discretion, to make substitutions of equivalent kind or approximate value in the event of the unavailability of any prize or component of the prize for any reason whatsoever. This contest is subject to all federal, provincial and municipal laws. CJFL reserves the right to withdraw or terminate this raffle at any time without prior notice. One entry per person.

Contemporary Parenting Questions

BACK TO QUESTIONS MENU

Last updated on 01/04/09

How can I stop my children from cursing?

It is shocking to hear a child swear, even worse when it is directed at you. Children in the twenty-first century make use of a vocabulary that degrades themselves and society. Kids and teens use bad words for a variety of reasons; figuring out why a child swears is the first step needed in order to get them to stop.

Some kids swear because they hear their parents do it. When kids hear adults swear it is always in an attention getting tone of voice. Kids try out curse words to see if they can create the same atmosphere and get the same kind of imagined respect. Younger kids are just acting like a parrot; if a parent cursed over the phone when their child was in earshot, they should not be surprised if they hear their child repeating the same choice words in the near future. Very young children sometimes also use “bathroom talk”. Although it can be embarrassing for parents at the time, it is developmentally normal and children generally grow out of it.

Other kids swear to get attention, to gain peer acceptance, or simply to copy the role models they see on television. Although some parents choose to ignore this disturbing behavior, they are avoiding the problem rather than treating it. A child that curses will have difficulty expressing his feelings to parents and teachers. Additionally, children may become so accustomed to using inappropriate language that they will use it at school and work inadvertently and have to face the consequences of their words.

In the Jewish Community

Bad language represents a far more severe problem in the Jewish community than in its non-Jewish counterparts. The Jewish community prides itself on sheltering the children from outside influence. For that reason, many sects of the Jewish community refrain from watching television, movies, or even having internet access in the home. However, some children and teens do get caught in the outside world and pick up a mode of language and dress that is unacceptable in the Jewish community. Swearing in the name of God is one of the Ten Commandments. Although teens who do so may simply be using that language to impress their friends or get attention, parents view it as a much worse problem and overreact.

On the other hand, some teens swear and use objectionable language as a cry for help. They feel so low, far-removed, and unable to express themselves, and they want someone to recognize their pain. Parents must always keep in mind that most teens do not want to be bad. They need their parent’s support; only with that can they move forward and grow to live productive lives.

Use the following links to learn why kids use language and what you can do about it. Find out where you can go for help.

Frequently Asked Links

What is swearing and why do some kids swear?

Why is it a problem when kids curse?

Where do kids learn bad language? more

Why do kids use bad language?

Why do teens use profanity?

Why is foul language such an issue in today’s society?

What should I do if my child uses profanity?

How can I get my child to stop swearing?

What should I do if my teen uses profanity?

How can I help my teens stop swearing?

What should I do if I am a parent who uses bad language?

Related Articles

How Can I Deal With My Anger?
Do you wonder why you fly off the handle so easily sometimes? Do you wish you knew healthier ways to express yourself when you are steamed? Check out this article for help with dealing with anger.

Train Your Temper
Everyone gets angry sometimes. Does your temper ever get out of control? Find out how to put a leash on it.

Taming Tempers

Controlling outbursts can be difficult for kids — and helping them learn to do so is a tough job for the parents who love them. However, just about every child can improve with the right coaching.

Resources

Parenting Resources for the Jewish Community

Compiled by Rabbi Yakov Horowitz

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
http://www.aap.org
The AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
http://www.aacap.org
AACAP offers up-to-date information on child and adolescent development and issues.

Rabbi Horowitz does not endorse any external sites or monitor or approve content on these sites. When considering information presented here, you should consult your experts to determine what is best for you. Our sole purpose is to help you access information that Rabbi Horowitz and others have made available on the internet.

BACK TO QUESTIONS MENU



Working with Families and Educators on Behalf of our Children

This site is managed by The Center for Jewish Family Life, Inc., 56 Briarcliff Drive, Monsey, NY 10952
Project Y.E.S. was founded by Agudath Israel of America
The Center for Jewish Family Life/Project YES - 56 Briarcliff Drive, Monsey, NY 10952 (845) 352-7100 ext. 114 Fax: (845) 352-9593
email: email@kosherjewishparenting.com


Advertisements