Vulgar language around kids

ALCouch1014

my mom (66 years young) is in the late stages. I have a 3 year old son who adores her but in the last few months she’s been very aggressive and mean. She’s begun to swear a lot, using really foul language, saying the worst things imaginable in front of my son. I don’t know what to do. He’s old enough to catch on, but too young to understand what’s happening to my mom and her sudden behavior change. I’m concerned about him repeating the things she says but I don’t want to miss out on the last remaining time we have together, even if it is tense.

I know my job is to protect my son. But I’m also feeling torn on trying to comfort my mom.
any suggestions on how to handle?

terei

Your mother is no longer able to ‘be comforted’ by the presence of your son. If it was my family, I would not have the three year old subjected to your mother’s aggression. At the very least, it will confuse him, if not outright frighten him. You do know what to do….keep your son away from her.

Emily 123

Hello,

I agree with terei,

There's no upside to having your three year old around your mom right now—she can't help herself, but he won't understand that, plus this is added stress for you. The disease is progressing enough to where it's limiting what language your mom can access. If you're concerned about the aggression it would be worth discussing that with her healthcare provider-perhaps meds may help.

This is an excellent video by Teepa Snow that discusses language changes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BlZF_4EKp4

Victoriaredux

Your child comes first, and at 3 years old, things percolate in their brains they can't express but can linger. See Mom alone .

Have you talked with her Doctor about getting her some meds to tap it down?

psg712

Protect your son from your mom's language and behavior. You wouldn't allow him to spend extended time with a neighbor or stranger who behaved in that manner around him. Coming from a beloved grandmother, it could be even more hurtful to him. If the time left to her is truly short, it may be a bittersweet blessing that at three years old, his memories of her words will be limited.