Recently, I received a comment on my social media post that was largely positive, but it did come with a question: “Why do you use the F word? Your family seems lovely, and I’d prefer not to hear your children say it.”
That got me thinking.
First off, let me clarify: while I may have a bit of a colorful vocabulary, I don’t drop those words in front of my kids. Years spent in the classroom as a teacher have trained me to keep my language in check. But honestly, it doesn’t matter much because my kids catch on quickly; they learned that particular word within weeks of starting kindergarten.
So, why do I incorporate the F word into my life? Where do I even begin?
Well, for starters, I have seven children. Honestly, I think even one kid is enough to warrant the occasional use of the F word—often.
Using the F word helps convey the intensity of my feelings—or my kids’ feelings. For instance, if I say, “Number 4 doesn’t like my new hairstyle,” that’s one thing. But saying, “Number 4 absolutely fucking hates it,” captures her sentiment much better.
Another reason? Just the other day, after six long years, I finally wore my one pair of matching earrings, which I had managed to keep hidden from my children. But, of course, 11 minutes later, Number 5 flicked one of them away, and now it’s lost for good. Now I’m down to zero fucking pairs of earrings. That’s definitely a situation worth an F word.
I use the F word because I’m utterly exhausted from having an audience while I’m trying to use the bathroom. It seems like someone is always in tears over the smallest things—like the wrong cup or a misplaced toy.
And let’s not forget how tired I am of searching for lost items. I could go on about how Number 7 has become a master with scissors, often opting to cut hair instead of paper. I stopped yelling at my kids last year, and let me tell you, that’s no easy feat. Typing out the F word in various forms can be a great stress reliever.
On days when I manage to get all the kids dressed, it never fails—someone spills something, and we have to change the entire outfit. We end up late, despite my best efforts. And if I wake up at 5 a.m. to find we’re out of coffee, or realize I’m running on empty gas, the F word makes me feel a little better.
As I try to reduce my complaints, the occasional “F***” is one of the last things I have left. But it isn’t always about frustration. Sometimes, I drop the F word when I’m genuinely happy—like after a great haircut that makes me feel like a million bucks!
So, yes, I use the F word because I really don’t care what others think. But honestly, I use it because I simply enjoy it. And frankly, that’s enough reason for me.
For more insights on navigating the complexities of parenthood, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at Facts About Fertility. If you’re considering at-home options, you can find reputable products at Make a Mom.
Summary:
In this candid reflection, Jenna Richards shares her unapologetic use of the F word in the context of parenting seven children. From the chaos of everyday life to moments of frustration and joy, she explains how this colorful language serves as both a release and an expression of her true feelings.
Leave a Reply