I've run out of ideas!

[ajsmom]

Ds, 3 yrs old, can recite The Lorax by Dr. Seuss but is completely possessed with the words stupid and "Shut up". He's been using these for a couple of weeks now. I STUPIDLY read it verbatim to him. So, I explained that we don't speak this way to others and that I don't like hearing it.

He really loves saying these words and even when I explained that speaking this way is hurtful to others, he still wants to say them. He goes into the closet to say them so I don't have to hear it, my suggestion, but then he has to tell me what he did AND use the words again.

He hasn't said them to anyone but me and dh but sometimes in the car I can hear him using them, quite well, in a sentence.

Anyway, I have tried ignoring it, explaining it, we even went without stories one night because he said it after being asked not to. If he says it in the car when we are on our way somewhere fun, I tell him we may need to return home because he isn't speaking politely. He says he's sorry and he won't say it any more. Then he does it again later.

I know it's a phase. I know he's only 3. He has such a love for language but yikes - I've run out of patience and options. Help!

He is so much fun otherwise,
Rebecca

[maekati]

We have had issues with the words "poop, pee, and fart" Which drives me crazy. It has over time decreased, but when dd has friends over she reverts to using these words to make them laugh. So I know what you are going through. I do not have any suggestions other than what you have done though, "stupid" and "shut up" have not made their way into our house, yet. We do read the Lorax and I rush over the words or replace them and they have not been an issue. Sorry, I am of no help.

[ajsmom]

I am not sure about Dr. Seuss...

I know we had him when I was growing up and The Lorax has a great message. So why did he have to put those words in it? And where was my mind when I read those words?!

We actually use the words pee and poopies so ds doesn't care about these at all. Maybe I should say stupid more often...right.

And you're a great help because you shared your story so I know I am not alone!
Thanks,
Rebecca

[levar]

Not much help either, but I'm with ya!! So far ones I can think of a "But" "Baby-song" "Stupid" and now "Silly" [There was one that bothered Hubby but now I cant think of it?] Pretty much except for "Baby-song" or baby-words or baby-talk, etc; we just act like a parrot and every time we hear words or what ever that we dont like we say "Dont say ... it's not nice" ditto ditto ditto. blah blah blah. zzz. It works, but of course then there is always a new word to replace it and drive me nuts!! :
The Baby-song one was a bit different. He learned that one from his playmate pretty much while I was standing there. Next time they were together they started getting kinda-mean about it. I just stopped them in what they were doing, looked them both in the eye, and said matter-factly "That is not nice. Dont say that anymore". Both of them of course tested me at seperate times and I had to repeat myself verbatim, but that *was* that for that word/phrase.