Why does it matter if your kid swears?

[Anonymous]

Serious question. My four year old used the “f” word today (in a way where she used it as an adjective) and I just wanted to laugh and then say oh crap, she’s going to get in trouble and so am I. But why? Why does it matter if a kid swears? Why are we giving those words in particular such power? Now mind you I am not talking about swearing at someone or using derogatory terms to describe someone. That is never okay whether the name is a “swear” or not. But saying something “effing” sucked or saying “$&@-“ when something happens, why is that so bad?

Perhaps it’s because Im, gasp, a “xennial” (old millennial) or that I’m an atheist, or that I’m really progressive but I just do t see why we make such a big deal about this especially since nearly every adult I know swears from time to time, or more than time to time, so why do we care so much about a kid using a “bad word”?

[Anonymous]

My kids 10 and 12 use swear words when appropriate, for emphasis. They use the typical F bombs and sh-t. It’s fine with me. Mostly they do it in the home only.

Smarter people swear more. I certainly don’t edit.

[Anonymous]

It matters to me that my kid understands that these words can be hurtful or offensive and is careful about where they use them. I don't actually mind hearing them use them, but I want them to be conscious of how and when they use them, so that if they're in a situation where using them isn't a great idea (e.g. Grandma's, church, school, a job interview) they can control them.

I swear, but I also control it 100% at work, because it's an expectation in my field.

[Anonymous]

It doesn’t matter. Save the lectures and appropriate punishment for racial slurs ( the true bad words) and awful hurtful slurs like “retard”.

[Anonymous]

Kids need to learn that there's a time and a place. Not just because my sensibilities but also as a legit life skill. They will struggle in school if they are dropping f bombs. Maybe have trouble dating or get kicked out of restaurants etc.

So sure sometimes with friends and close family its fun/funny but I think it's basically my responsibility to make a frowny face and be disapproving so they learn to self edit in a safe no consequence environment.

[Anonymous]

I don't mind the occasional swear, but I definitely don't want them to sound like my in-laws who speak the f word in every sentence uttered. F this and F that. I want my kids to sound pleasant when they speak.

[Anonymous]

It's not elegant. Don't do it.

[Anonymous]

OP here, I guess my question is why is it that we give the "f" word or sh$% or whatever such power that using them becomes "not elegant" or that there's a "time and place." Yea, its what we've all grown up with, but why? Why does it matter?

[Anonymous]

It just sounds wrong, and it's vulgar. And vulgar things coming out of a little child's mouth is just wrong.

I swore like sailor when I was younger. I try not to swear in front of my MS/HS children, and in return, they respectfully not say those words in front of me. I know they say it, just not in front of me.

[Anonymous]

Nope nope nope. I don’t care if they do it in a locker room but hell no not in the house or around me (their mother) or other adults. It’s low class.

[Anonymous]

I swear like a sailor. My kid does not. It is tacky, and before you can break the rules, the rules must be engrained. There is a time and a place and childhood is not it.

[Anonymous]

I know it’s not true, but when people swear all the time, I think they are of low intelligence.

[Anonymous]

My very professional and very classy father always used to say it’s fine to do it. Just know your audience.

[Anonymous]

It only matters to me because it will get them in trouble at school and could lead them into the problem kid group of peers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, I guess my question is why is it that we give the "f" word or sh$% or whatever such power that using them becomes "not elegant" or that there's a "time and place." Yea, its what we've all grown up with, but why? Why does it matter?

Do you know what they mean, OP?
They refer to intimate bodily acts, anatomical regions, or a deity that you would not otherwise describe in public.
Do you throw around sexual or defecation-related terms casually to anyone? I hope not. Calling the Lord in vain may mean nothing to you, but it was especially shocking in past centuries, when most people in Europe and the colonies were expected to be devout Christian.
If you believe that we can talk about anything in public, even sex or poo, then it logically follows that you would be unfazed by swear words.
Please understand that most of us hold different views.