Fun Fact: Your child’s first curse word will likely stem from either yourself or your partner. Them’s the breaks. I say “will” because this will undoubtedly occur and will happen at the most ill-timed instance. When this incident†materializes itself, please, for the love of God, resist the urge to laugh!
There are few things funnier than a cursing child. Short of hearing a rumbling cheek flapper during the exchanging of vows in a quiet church or witnessing a grown†man open a car door into their own crotch, no juvenile indulgence trumps a four-lettered word falling out of the mouth of babes. This is the wrong way to handle said situation. The reason being; that your child loves to make you happy.
Your happiness is a clear indication to them that:
A – They are not in any immediate trouble.
B – They may be eligible for a reward.
If they feel that a word such as “ass” may put a smile on your face, prepare to be serenaded with an onslaught of the unthinkable.
Note – This rule solely applies when managing your own children (of course). If you so happen to witness a child cursing, who is not your own, feel free to laugh yourself into a seizure.
Handling a Child’s First Swear Word
Frankly, there really is no easy solution to this pickle. Your initial reaction†may†be to yell at your child in†discouragement. Your impulse may lead you to†scold them into tears. The logic in both approaches is warranted. However, they result in the reprehension of a child who may have unintentionally done something, they were unaware they were not supposed to do.
Case in point – My son decided to let one fly while rummaging in his toy box for a lost item. As the lid of the chest came crashing down onto his head, he said what any reasonable person would have, “Fuck!”. He was 2 at the time and the context in which he swore was so befitting, that I couldn’t help but agree and let it slide. †Once I had heard him swear again, I pulled him aside and explained – “he wasn’t to ever say that word again”. However, after the third occurrence, he received an ear-splitting reprimand. He did finally cease with the profanity. But I’m not at all convinced that it was my yelling that cinched the deal and I’m certainly not assured that the little shit won’t say it again.
The Obvious Solution
The best measure, I’ve found, to ensure reduced episodes of sailor’s mouth is to not curse in front of your kid. An obvious solution and, at times, a tall order, but the one true thing that works. I let my son know that some words are simply off-limits and there are consequences associated with obscenities. But let’s face it, I can only hold back the reins for so long. Because once our little angels enter the school system, they are in for a plethora of vulgarity so immense, that we’ll long for an innocent slip of the tongue.