11 Things Parents Shouldn’t Say in Front of Their Kids

11  Things Parents Shouldn’t Say in Front of Their Kids – Sometimes things just slip out, and though at the time it may not seem like a huge deal to you, you never know what little ears may be listening at that time. We have all done it before; said something we shouldn’t have in front of our kids, and then have that very thing come back and bite us in the butt because of the loose tongues children have. I know it has happened to me before and it can make your cringe or be totally embarrassed. Therefore I feel it is my duty to try and help spare everyone else the trouble of having to face this situation by giving you my list of 9 Things that Parents Should NOT say in Front of their Kids. Because it can come back to haunt you…… for years to come! (and you could even get a call from the teacher!)
Though not all things on this list are generally bad things for a kid. Some of them have to do with kids not having a filter on what comes out of their mouths (some kids are better with this than others). You always want to be careful about the things you discuss in front of children, whether your own or someone else’s – especially someone else’s kids! Some topics of conversation are just not appropriate for little ears to hear, some of these things could affect them later in life. We should all have our filters on when we know that little kids, or even older kids, are around to listen. It’s just good parenting!

Rule #1) Cuss Words – These are a big one because they are easy to let slip. It is best to try to avoid saying any cuss word all together, because then it lessens the chance that your child will pick up the bad habit. Nothing is more tacky then a child running around lashing out bad words at school or at Grandma’s house. Also, if you have older children (8+ years) it is a good idea to have a curse word jar in your house. What I mean by a jar is that, if anyone cusses they have to put money in the jar. This will teach the lesson to your kids and teenagers not to cuss in the house. Foul mouths will never make a child successful in life!

Rule #2) Things That Demean The Other Parent – We are all known to belittle others one time or another – even those of us that try not to judge others at some time have done so. However, it is ESPECIALLY not a good idea to belittle your spouse in front of your kids. It makes them want to do it to, and for a kid that is disrespectful. End is – PERIOD! Don’t do it no matter how angry you may become, as there’s never a time when it’s appropriate.

Rule #3) Arguments Between Spouses – Try not to have big blow up arguments in front of your kids. For one thing it shows a bad example, and it can also scare the kids. Nothing is more terrifying then watching your parents fight about something, whether the argument is trivial or not. Now, as a side not I think it’s worldly and healthy for kids to see some problem solving or disagreements because it helps them navigate the waters in their own relationships at school, day care, club and such but those are small healthy and productive discussions and I still stand firm that it is NEVER acceptable to have big blow ups in front of the kids!

Rule #4) “I’m Fat” – With the many psychological body issues kids and teens have now-a-days it is best not to call yourself fat, or any other variant of the word; because then your child will start to do the same. This can lead to so many dangerous problems, that it is just not worth it to say in front of your little ones. Besides, you’re also giving the message that your body is who you are and as moms and wives and sisters and citizens we are so much more than our bodies so give that one some rethinking if you’re guilty of this “parent crime.”

Rule #5) “I Wish You Could Be More Like Your _” – Sister, brother, or cousin it doesn’t matter. As soon as you try to compare your kids to another child, you have told them they are not good enough in your eyes. This is the worst thing you could say to a child. It may even make them hate that other family member. If you are trying to correct a child’s wrong doings then don’t involve the other children, unless the wrong doing was against them. Parents (me included) all wish their kids would be perfect angels but none are so accept that, stop comparing and know that they’re all a bit different, good and bad.

Rule #6) Gossip About Other Parents/Children – Don’t even whisper it! It’s that G word again….. Casually saying, “Linda’s new hair cut looks like her poodle sat in it,” in front of your child is asking for trouble. Because those innocent words can make it to “Linda” and then she can call you on it, it’s best to end the gossip now. It is best not to gossip or belittle other people at all, but even worse is complaining about another parent to your child when that other parent is in a position of authority! Keep those things to yourself or address them directly with the person – don’t vent to the kids about how annoying or disorganized another parent may be. It’s wrong!

Rule #7) “SHUT UP” – I consider this different from a cuss word. I wouldn’t tell your kids that it is a cuss word to make them not say it, because this might lead them to ridicule from other kids. “Shut up” is the most disrespectful way to say “I am not listening to you”  or “what you have to say is not of value.” Shut up can be really annoying to hear, and is hurtful to people too. When you say “shut up” to someone; it tells them that their problems and grievances are not worth a dime to you.

Rule #8) Things You Have Purchased For Other People – Though not as serious as the other things on this list. Your child can still spoil the surprise by blabbing it to the receiver. One year we purchased helium balloon for my husband’s birthday dinner. That day at lunch my son told him all about it and when I was floored his response was “I didn’t tell him what color they were!” So, my point being that in a child’s eye’s he had done no wrong spoiling that surprise so probably best just not to share information as such.

Rule #9) Girls/Boys Don’t/Shouldn’t Do That – If your kid enjoys doing something, don’t take that away from them. Just because girls/boys shouldn’t play with that, or do that. It shows kids that their wants and desires are not as important as public image, which is always a bad thing.

Rule #10) “Don’t Talk Down A Kid For Crying” – Crying is a natural occurrence to humans. It is the body’s natural way to relieve the pain or stress that one feels. When you try to comfort your crying child never say, “Don’t cry, there is nothing to cry about.” That just tells them that what they are feeling isn’t important to you and that they should get over it. Instead, ask them what the problem is and then tell them it’s going to be okay. Suggest deep breathing or a cup of tea and a long hug. Crying can be annoying but it’s really not the end of the world!

Rule #11) “You’re Doing It Wrong Let Me Do It” – This doesn’t help a child, and it doesn’t show patience on the part of the parent. Instead tell your child, “Can I show you how to do it and then you can do it.” You show them the right way and then let them see the correction, then they can do it themselves. It teaches them its okay to make mistakes. Life is a big learning curve to you want kids to have the attitude that each mistake is a step closer to a solution. Instead, so many  kids just stop trying to do something and it sticks with them for life.

I’m a mom and family blogger in the Mid-Atlantic region living a frugal life so I can vacation and have fun with my family – save here so you can spend there! Feel free to leave comments with additional parents tips and ideas!