Three years ago, my partner made a bold promise to our kids: each time one of us let a curse word slip, we’d drop a quarter into the “Swear Jar.” Once the jar was full, the cash would be theirs. Honestly? Are you kidding me? I ended up tossing in $10 right off the bat, thinking of it as a summer prepayment. Naturally, the kids were baffled by the concept of money—they believe all paper bills are worth a million dollars, so they were thrilled. Meanwhile, my partner took the challenge seriously and nearly drained our savings by autumn’s arrival.
After the kids cashed out, we reconsidered our stance. It was back to freely expressing ourselves, and here are five reasons why:
1. I’m an Adult.
Let’s be real: adulthood doesn’t come with as many perks as my 11-year-old self imagined (seriously, where’s my beach golf cart?). But one of the real joys of being grown-up is the freedom to voice my thoughts without worrying about being grounded. It’s liberating!
2. They’re Just Kids.
I understand the importance of setting a good example. That’s why I still wear pants to drop them off at school, even if it’s not strictly necessary under my winter coat. But until they reach adulthood, it’s “do as I say, not as I do.” They can’t swear, drive, or even cross the street alone—so why shouldn’t I keep some fun stuff for myself?
3. Communication with Kids is Often Confusing.
Kids have their own language filled with euphemisms and baby talk. From “making a tinkle” to “going night-night,” half the time, I’m left scratching my head. That’s why I find value in strategic swearing. When my normally calm seven-year-old made his sister cry, I had to tell him directly: “Stop acting like a little brat to your sister.” His wide eyes told me he understood—I wasn’t messing around.
4. Parenting is Full of Insane Moments.
I need to express my true feelings when I’m stepping on Lego pieces, pulling socks out of the toilet (“But Mom, it looked like a paper towel!”), or trying to figure out third-grade math (seriously, it’s a nightmare). Sometimes, I just need everyone to be quiet so I can think straight!
5. I’ve Already Given Up So Much.
In the name of motherhood, I’ve sacrificed sleep, sanity, and even my nails. Do I also need to abandon my preferred way of communicating? Absolutely not! If you’ve managed to endure this wild ride without shouting expletives during sleepless nights and toddler tantrums, then kudos to you! Just a heads-up, though: your little angel might want to wear earmuffs when visiting, because there may be some “big girl” words flying around.
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In summary, while swearing might not be everyone’s cup of tea, for me, it’s a form of honest expression in the chaos of parenthood. Embracing the occasional curse word helps me navigate the wild ride of raising kids—after all, who couldn’t use a little levity?