Check your child's understanding While many children use bad language or hurtful words they often don't understand the actual meanings of the words they are using. If you suspect this is the case use this opportunity to explain about the power of names, words etc. to cause hurt to others and help your child find alternative ways of expressing themselves when they are upset or angry. It may be they don't know of other ways and use bad language because of this. The money collected can be donated to a charity of your child's choice. While this approach keeps the spotlight on bad language it doesn't rely on punitive methods of discipline.
Praise is one of the most powerful tools in a parent's possession.
Study after study has shown that if a child is praised for a specific behaviour it is more likely to happen again. As I said earlier, children are often experimenting when they use bad language and often don't understand the consequences of what they say. Often a child who says I hate you or calls you a bad name actually doesn't mean to hurt you in the way they have, they may be trying to say they are angry and upset about what has happened but don't have the language skills to express these complicated emotions clearly. If you think that your child is picking up a lot of bad language at school it may be worth talking to their teacher. Sometimes teachers may be unaware that bad language is being used by the children in their group as the children may be using it out of their ear shot at break time, in the yard etc.