John likes to say some negative words recently. He like to say "chick" or "fatty" etc.
He likes to say them and repeat more as he feel funny. He also knows these words can attract more attenttion or response from others.
He also use these negative words when he has bad feelings on his friends.
For example, one day, he came home and told me that Dogulus is chick.
Dad: Why do you say the word to Dogulus? Is he your best friend?
John: Yes. he is my best friends. But he is mean to me. He said I am the last one to pick backpack when we go home.
I am thinking about what should I said to him and how can I help him express his thought in the other way.
After a while, some ideas come into my mind.
Dad: Do you like other people call you fatty or chick?
John: No.
Dad: So, don't say the word that you don't like to hear other people.
John: Oh!
I am not sure if he really catch the point. The good news is that the frequency of saying those words is temporarily reduced.
After a few day, the interesting things happen. When I am reading a stroy from him, the story include the words: liar, liar, pants on fire. I feel the words can be sung like some melody. I sing as a song. He feel fun and repeat say that. He even use the words to his mommy and let his mommy feel bad.
I am thinking about what to said and how to help him express his thought in the right way. Here are my ideas.
If he use negative words which may offend other people, I should stop him right away. I also need to find right time to tell hime what should not say and potential consequency of saying those words. However, if he use these words just for his own fun. I think I don't need to stop him right away as it is the fastest way to help him learn new words and get some funs. I recall that I also used to said lots of negative words when I was a kid! It doesn't mean that I will do the same thing when I grow up.
The most important thing is to help him to take responsibility for what he said.
Remarks: 1st draft on April, 29 of 2008 and rewrite on July 21 of 2008