Getting 2 1/2 Year Old to Stop Saying "Stupid"

I wish I knew an answer to your question! I have two boys ages 4 & 5. Mine picked up stupid and boring so now everything is either stupid or boring (mostly my 5 year old, but I figure the 4 year old won't be far behind since he does everything the 5 year old does)! Drives me crazy. I am trying not to make a big deal about them using the words, or trying to re-direct them (Mom, this is boring! Ok, if this isn't how would you like to do this you tell me a way... Or Mom this is stupid! I don't think it is, but if you want to try another way I am open to suggestions...). So far the use of the word stupid has been in reference to things he is doing, not to people (as in name calling). The other thing I try is telling him that he needs to find another word to use. Not much help, but I am fairly certain, the bigger deal we make of words we don't want them to use, the more they will use them.

Hi E.:
Play it down.The bigger the deal you make of it, the more important the word.My Grandchildren have a fantastic vocabulary. Grandpa has always used big words around them. and now as teens,not only do they know how to pronounce them, but they know exactly how to use them in a sentence.Try this....Next time you hear him say "thats stupid" Come back with No...."Thats ridiculous: He will be naturally curious. After Hearing you say it a few times,That word will actually become challenging,and attractive to him,and he'll replace stupid, with the bigger, harder word. Give it a try.I wish you and your growing son the best

You can do a lot with your example. Things like objects you might run into, people who move slowly in lanes, spills that weren't intended, mistakes others make... Choose a response that you want to model in front of him and make sure he sees you and your husband making a good example so his association will be "written over," so to speak.

You can even role play this with your child. Practice bonking into something or dropping something innocently and saying, "oopsey daisies!" Practice finding something unfortunate and saying, "blessed thing or goodness me!" Make sure he parrots you. Practicing seeking out others who need friends and saying things like, "how are you doing today?" or validating or complimenting others who you see are struggling...This includes the kids you see at the playground.

Your cheerful example will be much more powerful and contageous than someone else's bitter attitude. Chances are these grouchy kids are being raised by grouchy parents who are hurting for some reason. Giving them a cheery compliment could bring them some sunshine.

hi E., it is sad when things are said in public, after a period of time that he doesn't hear diffeeent contex today, it's used like for example, my 21 year old son will have his remote in his hand then lay it down and can't find it, he'll say this is stupid, it's like using the word reciculas, anything thatb appears to be rediculas is now stupid. J.