When I became a parent, I really worked hard to try and stop swearing. It became apparent early on how much of a parrot kids can be, so it was important that I stopped swearing.
During the first year of parenting, what also became apparent to me was that I was slightly crazy; and had a need to express myself more than usual. So I couldn’t contain the swear words.
I have now come to terms with the fact that swearing is a part of my life; and I am okay with that. Because I look at swear words the way I do (as expressive words), it doesn’t bother me. I use the full range of curse words in front of my two-year-old and four-year-old kids — except the C-word.
I teach my children that the words I say are “adult words”, and that when they become an adult they can choose to use them or not. This was how I was raised.
Since I adopted this philosophy, my children haven’t sworn once around me.
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I thought I was doing well in watching my swearing in front of the kids but I couldn't help laughing when someone swerved in front us while driving the other day and a "f**ks sake" piped up from the backseat by Miss Three. I reprimanded her and the response was "But isn't that an idiot, Mama?" Clearly I need to watch my language while driving!
Does a 2 year old really understand that some words are adult words? Children soak up all our behaviour. We are supposed to set an example. By all means feel free to swear like a trooper whenever you please. I couldn't care less. Just don't delude yourself that your toddler understands the concept of adult language and language meant for private not public forums.