Recently, I received a comment on my social media post that struck a chord. The message was mostly positive, but it included a curious question: “Why do you use the F word? You have a lovely family, and I’d prefer not to hear your children say it.” Interesting inquiry.
So, why do I use the F word? First off, let me clarify that while my language can be colorful, I don’t speak that way in front of my kids. Years spent teaching elementary school have equipped me with the ability to keep it in check. However, it’s somewhat moot, considering my children take the bus to school and picked up the F word about two weeks into kindergarten.
Now, back to the question at hand. Why do I use the F word? Honestly, having seven kids is a compelling reason. You’d think one child could justify it, right?
I use the F word because it expresses my emotions perfectly. When I say, “Number 3 isn’t exactly fond of my new haircut,” it pales in comparison to “Number 3 absolutely hates it.” Which one do you think captures the sentiment better?
Take, for example, the other day when I dared to wear the only pair of matching earrings I’ve stashed away from the kids. Within 11 minutes of taking them off, Number 5 managed to flick one away, and poof! Now I’m left with zero pairs of earrings. That’s definitely a situation worth some exclamatory language.
I also use the F word because I’m exhausted by the constant interruptions while I’m simply trying to use the restroom. Someone’s always in tears—over the wrong cup, a misplaced seat, or even a tiny wet spot on their sleeve. I use the F word because I’m fed up with searching for lost items, and frankly, I’m just really tired.
And let’s not forget about Number 6, who at just three years old has developed a knack for wielding scissors. The fact that she chooses to cut hair before anything else is enough to warrant a few well-placed expletives.
I stopped yelling at my kids last August, which has proven to be a challenge. Typing out the word “fuck” in all its glorious forms certainly helps me cope. On those rare mornings when I manage to get everyone ready only to have one of them spill something, leading us to be late despite all my efforts? Yeah, that’s when I really lean into it.
When I wake up at 5 a.m. to find we’re out of coffee or realize I’m running on empty in the gas tank, it’s the F word that brings me solace. And since I’m trying to cut down on complaints, a good “F word” is all I have left to express myself.
But it’s not all negative! Sometimes I use it when I’m genuinely overjoyed, like after a fantastic haircut that makes me feel like a million bucks.
So, in all honesty, I embrace the F word because I genuinely enjoy it. And frankly, that’s justification enough for me.
If you’re curious about home insemination options, check out this insightful resource on pregnancy and learn more about our home insemination kit as well as your baby’s expected arrival date here.
Summary:
In this candid piece, Lisa Martin explores her use of the F word, attributing it to the chaos of parenting seven children. She shares humorous anecdotes about everyday challenges and moments of frustration, as well as the joy that sometimes calls for a well-placed expletive. Ultimately, she admits that her fondness for the F word stems from a place of genuine enjoyment and personal expression.