Stories
- “Above the Line” (May 2013 Friend)
Robert makes the choice not to use bad language. - “Aren’t You a Mormon?” (April 2004 Liahona and Friend)
Lillie swears to fit in, but her bad language doesn’t impress anyone. - “Choosing Kind Words” (May 2019 Friend)
A rebus story about Selene, who calls her friend Adriana a mean name after she misses catching the ball they are playing with. - “Dear Class” (September 2012 Friend)
Ethan publicly apologizes to his class after he uses bad language. Learn what defines bad language and how you can stamp out bad language. - For Parents of Little Ones: “Kind Words” (May 2019 Friend)
Some ideas from parents on how to teach young children how to use kind words. - “Keep Your Words Above the Line” (May 2013 Friend)
Ideas for using kind words. - “Matt and Mandy” (September 2017 Friend)
Matt tells some boys on the playground that he doesn’t want to hear the inappropriate joke they want to tell him. - “Not at Home, Not Anywhere” (July 2015 Friend)
Carter decides not to swear anymore. - “Pretty Much Brothers” (September 2016 Friend)
Xander teaches the exchange student staying with their family that Heavenly Father wants us to use good language. - “Question Corner: What should I do when bad thoughts come into my mind?” (February 2013 Friend)
- “Should I Keep Reading?” (October 2019 Liahona and Friend)
Brooklyn P., age 9, shares how she decided to stop reading a book after the author repeatedly used the Lord’s name in vain. - “A Soft Answer” (April 2011 Liahona and Friend)
A girl learns to reply with kindness to her younger sister. Includes “soft-answer reminders” that children can color and cut out. - “Speaking Up” (August 2019 Friend)
Jonathan tells his Spanish teacher that it makes him feel sad when she uses Heavenly Father’s name to swear. - “Super Spencer” (September 2016 Friend)
Spencer learns the power of good words and that being kind can make someone’s day. - “Take Not the Name of God in Vain” (November 2004 Friend)
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) shares how his mother once washed his mouth out with soap to teach him not to swear. - “Those Words” (December 2011 Liahona and Friend)
Shelby’s friends learn to respect her for not using or wanting to hear bad language. - “What Can I Do to Keep from Hearing Swear Words?” (April 2012 Friend)
Children share their answers to this question.
Activities
- “Clean Talk” (September 2013 Friend)
Printable cards encouraging children to keep their language clean. - “Words Matter” (October 2019 Friend)
Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel.
