My child's teacher in middle school has rules about what they aren't allowed to say in class

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One of them is they cannot say "Oh my gosh" (in addition to "Oh my God" or "OMG")

This is one of those phrases that my daughter seems to say quite often (as do I). I'm not sure I understand his reasoning behind not being allowed to say this (I somewhat understand "Oh my God" as he thinks that can be offensive to people which is why I and my children tend to say "Oh My Gosh). And my daughter as well as a few other kids have already gotten in trouble for saying it (7 days into the new school year).

Does this rule seem excessive? Or is it a typical rule to keep middle schoolers in line?

Maybe you should teach your child to appreciate differences? Not all teachers have the same style. Get your (or yourself) used to that fact.

What is the teacher was Muslim and forbade anyone from mentioning Jesus, including expressions like "jeez." Would you say that was just a difference and the kids should get used to it?

[Anonymous]

I think we need to provide OP's daughter with acceptable alternatives.

Sweet mother of Abraham Lincoln!
Crivens!
Ifawks!
Arrrr, matey!
Zounds, sirrah!
Stars and garters!

[Anonymous]

I can't think of any reason to say "oh my gosh" in math class anyway! It does sounds as if it would generally be a whining thing so he's rrying to nip it in the bud.

The slang talk should be banished anyway, literally!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't think of any reason to say "oh my gosh" in math class anyway!

"Oh my gosh, there is a spider on the windowsill!"

[Anonymous]

I think this teacher's rules will be a good learning experience for the kids. This won't be the last strict teacher they have through high school and college, and learning to follow what may seem like arbitrary rules in a situation like this is good. Questioning those rules is fine too, but it doesn't change the fact that they have to follow them.

The first time I had a strict teacher was in 7th grade. He seemed to hate all 7th graders. But I learned a lot in his class.

I personally like the teacher's rules. I don't like text speak, even when texting. And I am trying to squash the 'Oh my god's' coming from my kids (and DH) now, before it becomes too ingrained in their speaking patterns. I know it is just an expression, but it is a meaningless one, especially as we are atheists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't think of any reason to say "oh my gosh" in math class anyway!

"Oh my gosh, there is a spider on the windowsill!"

Just curious, what does "oh my gosh" add in the example above that wouldn't be conveyed simply by the tone of voice when saying "there is a spider on the windowsill!"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One of them is they cannot say "Oh my gosh" (in addition to "Oh my God" or "OMG")

This is one of those phrases that my daughter seems to say quite often (as do I). I'm not sure I understand his reasoning behind not being allowed to say this (I somewhat understand "Oh my God" as he thinks that can be offensive to people which is why I and my children tend to say "Oh My Gosh). And my daughter as well as a few other kids have already gotten in trouble for saying it (7 days into the new school year).

Does this rule seem excessive? Or is it a typical rule to keep middle schoolers in line?

Maybe you should teach your child to appreciate differences? Not all teachers have the same style. Get your (or yourself) used to that fact.

What is the teacher was Muslim and forbade anyone from mentioning Jesus, including expressions like "jeez." Would you say that was just a difference and the kids should get used to it?

The only reason a Muslim would have a problem with this is taking an important religious personages name in vain, same reason a Christian might.