Tips for dealing with teen swearing-- SET RULES AND BE ROLE MODELS: Be clear about what language is off-limits for your children, and don't use it yourself, either.-- BE VERY CLEAR: On a first offense, tell them: "We don't use that language here. It can be hurtful to someone, and we expect you not to use it."-- IF IT'S STILL AN ISSUE, ESTABLISH CONSEQUENCES: Make consequences clear ahead of time and make sure they are doable.-- TALK ABOUT INTENT: Ask them what it is they're trying to accomplish by using that word. Do they want to be identified as a person who uses that type of language?-- TELL THEM ABOUT THE HEALTHY WAYS TO DEAL WITH ANGER: If there's anger and frustration that needs to be released, teach them to do it in a safe place and in private.Sources: Cindy Post Senning, author, director and spokeswoman for the Emily Post Institute; Michael Leahy, counselor at R.W. Emerson Junior High School in Davis, Calif.(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)


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