As a parent, it’s natural to be concerned about your child’s language, especially when it comes to swearing. I often find myself waiting for the school bus, keeping an eye out for the bright yellow vehicle making its way down the street. When my daughter Mia, who’s nine, steps off the bus, she tosses her heavy backpack at me, and I scramble to catch it. It’s just part of our routine, albeit a slightly chaotic one.
“I know five bad words,” she announces one afternoon as we stroll home.
“Really? What are they?” I inquire, though the thought of her using any of them sends shivers down my spine.
“I’d never say them,” she reassures me.
“Good to hear,” I reply, relieved but curious. “So, how did you learn them?”
“The bus,” she says matter-of-factly. “Mostly from the bus and a bit at school.”
She then lists the starting letters: S, F, D, B, and H. I mentally check off the words and realize that “damn,” “bitch,” and “hell” are still in the mix. As adults, we often become desensitized to strong language, especially if we’ve spent years in environments where swearing is commonplace.
Take, for instance, the classic film Gone With the Wind—the word “damn” was once so controversial that it almost got cut. Fast forward to the 1970s, and comedian George Carlin created a famous routine about seven words you can’t say on television, many of which have since lost their shock value. Nowadays, just watching a 30-minute episode of a show like Girls is a crash course in modern swearing.
Reflecting back on my own childhood, I remember the thrill of saying bad words, even if I didn’t fully grasp their meanings. Peer pressure was intense, and I wonder if Mia is feeling it too. I can still picture the hurtful names thrown around on the playground and the pain they caused.
A few weeks later, we’re cozied up on the couch watching Full House. I can’t help but chuckle at the show’s innocent charm. In one episode, D.J. calls her best friend’s older companions names that are meant to sting, which brings me to a teachable moment.
“Mia,” I say playfully, “do you think I’m a geek-burger?”
She nods, eyes glued to the screen, and I pause the show. “I’m really proud of you for not using bad words, but I’d be more upset if you said mean words.”
Mia looks at me, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“Some words are considered bad simply because they’re not pleasant to hear, but the worst words are those that are intentionally hurtful,” I explain.
She seems to grasp my point, and I realize that while I may be a self-proclaimed geek-burger, it’s kindness that truly matters.
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In Summary
It’s crucial to be mindful of the language our children use, but it’s equally important to teach them the value of kindness over mere words. Understanding the impact of language can shape their interactions and help them navigate social pressures effectively.
Keyphrase: Why It’s Important to Address Swearing in Children
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