Discussion Board: Toddlers and Pre-schoolers

My son, somewhere along the line has picked up the phrase "I'll kill you". He uses this in reply if he gets told off or angry. I don't beleive he has any idea what it actually means and I generally choose to totally ignore it if he starts saying it. We are a happy family and my husband and I don't use language like that to each other or around the house. I am just not sure how to tackle it, whether ignoring it is the best idea or whether I need to do something more. I imagine hes picked it up of the telly or overheard someone else. Any suggestions? My son is three at the end of July.

There is a piece in this book about a situation like yours... My book is at a friends place so I can't tell you exactly what it said, but if you haven't read this book it really helps! Most libraries have copies, though you may need to book it as it is very popular. I think it's along the lines of consistent response to it (much like some other unpleasant words) an instant time out every time it's uttered and telling the child that 'we don't speak like that in our family' soon gets the point across. I hope I got that right... I really do recommend the book, my friend lent me hers when I was having similar problems. Now I have my own copy so that when I have a free moment I can have another look. Good luck with it!

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