As a parent, you often find yourself waiting for the school bus to arrive. I recall the moment when my 9-year-old daughter, Mia, disembarked, tossing her backpack my way. While it might seem a bit impolite to an outsider, it’s merely part of our playful routine. I always try to catch it, dodging the potential for an accidental head injury from the heavy load of books and her beloved cello.
“Did you know I know five bad words?” she announced one day.
“Really?” I replied, taken aback. The thought of her using any profanity is quite unsettling. “What are they?”
“I’d never say them,” she assured me.
“That’s good to hear,” I said, relieved. “So, how did you learn these words?”
“On the bus and at school, mostly from the bus,” she explained.
She then proceeded to list the initial letters of these words: “S… F… D… B… and H…” While the first two were expected, I was surprised that “damn,” “bitch,” and “hell” were still considered taboo. As adults, we often become desensitized to such language; after years of navigating the corporate world, I’ve encountered words that would hardly raise my eyebrows anymore.
Interestingly, the impact of swear words seems to have diminished over time. For instance, in the classic film Gone With the Wind, the line “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” was almost cut due to censorship laws of the era. Fast forward to 1972, when comedian George Carlin famously listed seven words that were deemed unacceptable for television, a list that has evolved significantly in today’s media landscape.
I remember my own childhood experiences with swearing. I didn’t grasp the meanings at first, but using those words made me feel cool and a part of the group. I wonder if Mia is facing similar peer pressures. Reflecting on my past, I can admit that I, too, engaged in hurtful name-calling, and I would be devastated if anyone ever made my daughter feel that way.
A few weeks later, while watching Full House together, I took the opportunity to discuss language with Mia. After a scene where a character was called a “geek-burger,” I jokingly asked her if that applied to me. She nodded, still glued to the screen.
“I’m proud of you for not using bad words,” I said, “but I would be more upset if you used words that hurt others.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Certain words are frowned upon simply because they offend people, but the truly harmful words are the ones that deliberately hurt others’ feelings,” I explained.
She seemed to understand, and I felt a sense of relief in our conversation. It’s crucial to teach our children the difference between swearing and being hurtful.
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In conclusion, while swearing by itself may not be the most pressing issue, fostering empathy and understanding in our children is vital. Encouraging them to avoid hurtful language can help create a more compassionate environment for everyone.