My Daughter Won’t Stop Swearing — Counseling Corner

Every Thursday we highlight a problem from a listener. We give our advice and ask our listeners to call in their thoughts. Welcome to The Counseling Corner.

Dear Brain and Courtlin,

I have a daughter who is just into elementary school. As many kids her age do, she often pushes my buttons to see what she can and can't get away with. Her current obsession, is swearing. She is particularly smitten with one word in general. I won't mention it here, but lets just say it isn't safe for radio or any social setting! I've warned her, grounded her, taken away her favorite toys and nothing seems to be working. When I swore as a child my parents used soap in my mouth, and when that didn't work they switched to Tobasco sauce. I got the message quick. I'm a little hesitant to try this method with my child. Do other parents still do things like MY parents did? I'm seriously looking for help here. I don't know what I'd do if she blurted out bad words in public. How far is too far when it comes to punishing my daughter?

Thanks

B