Got Questions? We've got answers from experts and parents who've
been there. What can I do when my child repeats bad words from
siblings? First, help your older child learn to watch what he
says around his little sister. Explain how she wants to be just
like him and therefore imitates him, which is why it's important
for him to show his sister acceptable ways to communicate. Then
sit down with your children and develop some "family rules"
about words. Let them know they can get angry or frustrated, but
that it's not okay to use hurtful, inappropriate, or rude words,
and brainstorm with them words they can use instead to express
themselves. But if, despite all your good efforts, your child
continues to call her cousin a butthead or tells people to shut
up, try to respond matter-of-factly. Children crave our
attention -- be it negative or positive, and a big reaction
makes them think, This worked great. I'll have to try it again!
So the less emotional you are, the less rewarding it is for your
kids to use that