9 Guidelines for Using Strong Language with My Children

happy pregnant womanhome insemination Kit

Dear my precious little one,

I’ve noticed your curious glances and the way you hastily shove away those scribbled notes. I understand—you’re testing out some new words.

Those colorful expressions are known as profanities, and they’ve been around since forever. Did you know that even the Bible mentions terms like “dung” and “piss”? Yep, it’s true! Renowned authors like Shakespeare, Mark Twain, and D.H. Lawrence weren’t shy about using them either.

I don’t see swearing as inherently “bad.” In fact, some British researchers found that swearing can actually help with pain relief. They even snagged a Nobel Prize for it! Personally, I think a well-timed curse can be a great way to manage frustration. So, here’s the deal: I’m not telling you to swear. (In fact, I’d be perfectly fine if you never did.) But if you choose to experiment with this type of language, here are some important rules to follow.

  1. Understand the meanings of swear words.
    Look them up or ask me. Each of these words stands in for something else. Knowing what you’re saying is crucial.
  2. Use profanity appropriately and in context.
    Learn how to use these words correctly so you come off sounding smart instead of silly. If you stub your toe, a loud “FUDGE!” is suitable, but “Oh, donkey!” just doesn’t cut it.
  3. Never swear at school.
    Seriously. Or in front of people you don’t know. Or your grandparents—unless it’s your great-grandma; she might just chuckle and share some new expressions with you.
  4. Know your audience.
    Don’t use bad language just to annoy someone or grab attention. Some folks really dislike cursing, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to keep quiet.
  5. Appreciate the subtleties.
    There are important distinctions in meaning. For instance, “shut up” can come across very differently depending on what follows. Mastering these nuances is vital.
  6. Don’t go overboard.
    Too much of anything can ruin it. Think of swearing like sprinkles on a sundae: it should enhance your message, not overwhelm it. Use it sparingly so when you do, it really packs a punch.
  7. Ignore the notion that swearing indicates a lack of education.
    That’s nonsense! I could say, “Please refrain from exhibiting selfish behavior,” but sometimes saying, “Don’t be a jerk” is way more efficient.
  8. Avoid using truly offensive language.
    Certain words can upset people—let’s steer clear of them, okay? Words that insult anyone’s race, religion, or sexual orientation are absolutely unacceptable. If you use them, expect to be grounded for a long time.
  9. Be prepared for reactions.
    If you choose to swear, understand that not everyone will appreciate it. Some people just don’t share our sense of humor, but that’s on them, not you!

By the way, if you’re interested in learning more about family planning and home insemination, check out this resource at MedlinePlus. And if you want to explore the DIY route, Make a Mom is a great authority on the subject. For more tips on this topic, visit Intracervical Insemination.

In summary, swearing isn’t inherently bad, but it’s important to know how to use it wisely. Respect its power, understand your audience, and keep it in check.