Three years ago, my partner made a bold promise to our children: every time one of us let a curse word slip, we’d drop a quarter into the Swear Jar. Once it filled up, the money would be theirs. First off: seriously? And secondly: are you kidding me? I ended up putting $10 in the jar up front, explaining it was to cover the summer. The kids were baffled; they don’t quite grasp money yet and think all bills are worth a fortune, so they were thrilled.
My partner was more committed than I was, nearly draining our savings by the time autumn rolled around. After the kids cashed in, we decided that was enough of that policy. We returned to our free-speaking ways, and here are five reasons why:
1. I’m an Adult.
Let’s be real—adulthood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I had visions of lounging with my favorite teen heartthrob, but one of the real perks? I can say whatever the heck I want whenever I want, without fear of being sent to my room. Yes, please!
2. They Are Still Kids.
I get the importance of being a role model, which is why I make a point to wear pants when dropping them off at school—even if I’m not really feeling it under my coat. However, my kids aren’t adults yet, and until they are, it’s a “do as I say, not as I do” situation. They can’t swear, drive, use the toaster unsupervised, or drink watermelon martinis. It’s all part of the fun of growing up!
3. Kids Speak in Code.
From “making a tinkle” to “going night-night,” kids have a language of their own that can often leave me scratching my head. When I want to get my point across, strategic swearing cuts through the nonsense. When my normally calm son upset his sister, I had a heart-to-heart: “Stop being a little brat to your sister.” A few wide-eyed blinks told me he understood—I was serious.
4. Parenting is Full of Surprises.
Parenting is a rollercoaster ride that often leaves me asking, “What the heck just happened?” Whether I’m extracting a Lego from my foot (again), cleaning a sock out of the toilet (“But Mom! It looked like a paper towel!”), or trying to make sense of third-grade math, sometimes I just need everyone to calm down so I can think. A little swearing helps convey my frustration!
5. I’ve Already Sacrificed So Much.
Being a mom means giving up sleep, sanity, and my taste in music, among other things. Must I also change my communication style? Absolutely not! I refuse to let go of my way of expressing myself.
So, if you somehow managed to bring your child into the world without shouting every curse word you know during labor and have kept up that level of restraint through sleepless nights and toddler tantrums, well then, congratulations! Just a heads up, though: your child might want to wear earmuffs at my house because they’re likely to hear some real talk.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this article on the Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit. And if you’re weighing options between a babysitter and a nanny, this site provides great information. Plus, for further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is invaluable.
Summary:
In parenting, the balance between setting a good example and being authentic can be tricky. This article offers five reasons why I embrace swearing in front of my kids, emphasizing the freedom of adulthood, the playful language of children, and the inevitable chaos of parenting. It’s about keeping it real while navigating the challenges of raising little ones.