Parents' panel.

MUM-OF-TWO Michelle Povey lives in Acklam, Middlesbrough, with her husband Craig and children, Bradley, six, and Erin, four.

"CHILDREN really push the boundaries especially when they know they shouldn't be doing something and will do so more if they get a reaction.

"Your son will grow out of this once he realises no one is interested and no one is reacting to his bad language.

"Make him aware firmly that he shouldn't be using these words and they are not very nice and then try to ignore him when he does say them.

"This may be difficult at first and making sure family, friends and the school are aware you are trying to ignore this behaviour so they react the same way as you is important.

"If this doesn't work, try a good behaviour chart where he gets stickers for listening to you and not saying the 'naughty' words and even taking a toy off him and only giving it back once he behaves and no longer uses them.

"He may need to realise there will be a consequence to this behaviour if he doesn't stop eventually.

"But I think he will grow out of this and will get bored and move on to something else."

DEAN Wilkinson is dad to Grace, five, Alice, seven, Emily, 13, Dale, 19, and Danielle, 26. He also owns children''s book publishing company The Wilkinson Press.

www.wilkinsonpress.co.uk "WE'VE had this problem and it's very difficult not to be amused at first, but it's this reaction that compounds it.

"Your child got a big laugh when he first said the bad word, so it's confusing for him when he doesn't keep on getting that response.

"Explain that the sentiments behind those words are very bad and not even adults should use them. Don't go into details about specific words - there's no need.

"Make it clear that the more foul mouthed a person is the stupider and less popular they are.

"Ask him to replace offensive words with harmless, funny ones - drat, flipping-Nora, crikey etc. Make some up with him - the dafter the better.

"And if he does start to use the new ones, reward him with praise and laughter.

"If all else fails, then for each bad word used take something small away from him - a toy or sweets privilege - and stick to it. He'll soon realise it's in his best interests not to swear."

CAPTION(S):

MAKE UP NEW WORDS: Dean Wilkinson of Ingleby Barwick with his daughters Alice, left, Grace, and Emily, right CONSEQUENCES: Craig and Michelle Povey with Bradley and Erin