I was in
another room when I heard what seemed to be Morse code coming from
my television. It turns out that it was the censors blocking what
seemed to be every other word. At least the objectionable
words were bleeped out. More and more, it seems, foul language has
been sprinkled throughout movies, video games, and books, many of
which are aimed at young kids. One study has found that the more teens hear
swearing in television and games, the more likely they are to
repeat the taboo words themselves.
If you have kids with vile vocabularies or who use hurtful
language with others, here is an activity you can do with them to
help them understand the power of their words.
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You'll need: A travel-sized tube of toothpaste
for each child, a paper plate for each child, and some hand wipes
for each child
Give each kid a paper plate and toothpaste tube and say that you
have a challenge. Tell them that they have 10 seconds to squeeze as
much toothpaste out of the tube as they can onto the paper plate.
After you call time, explain that therealchallenge is that they
have 30 seconds to put the toothpaste back in the tube.
Give kids time to try to put back all they squeezed out. Some
creative types may get a little back in, but the majority of the
toothpaste should still be on the plate.
Distribute the hand wipes and let kids clean up. Afterwards, ask
the kids these questions:
- How did you feel trying to get the toothpaste back into the
tube?
- How is getting the toothpaste out and then back into the tube
like the words that we say?
- (Read Psalm 34:13) Why do you think God wants us to watch what
we say?
- What are some things you can do instead of using bad or hurtful
language?
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It is easy to say to a child who uses bad language "that's bad,
don't say that" and let it go, but you would be missing an
opportunity. Explain what the Bible says about bad words, and then
encourage kids to find other words to say or other outlets for
their emotions. Use 1 Thessalonians 5:11 as a starting point to
show that God wants us to be helpful with our words, not hurtful.
Before long you will be busting putdowns and hearing
uplifting, encouraging language coming from your kids.
