So, picture this: it’s a bright morning, and I’m just trying to usher my kid onto the school bus when he casually drops the T word. You know that moment when your heart kind of stops, and you’re torn between wanting to laugh and wanting to hide? Yep, welcome to my life as a mom of a 12-year-old who’s suddenly obsessed with curse words. 😅
The T Word and Beyond
“Do you know the T word, Mommy?” he asked, eyes sparkling with mischief. And there I was, hoping the school bus would magically appear and whisk him away before I had to engage in this conversation. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. “Nope. What’s the T word?” I replied, bracing myself for impact.
Then came the proud proclamation, “Twat!” which, let’s be real, made me want to burst out laughing. The neighbor walked by with his poodle, clearly giving us the side-eye, while I tried to maintain some semblance of parental decorum. It’s just a part of growing up, right? I remember being his age and experimenting with “bad words” too, strutting around the mall like I owned the place. Who else can relate? 😂
Now, my son isn’t your average 12-year-old; he’s on the autism spectrum, which adds a whole new layer to this whole cursing conundrum. Is he just playing with language, or is he pushing boundaries? My husband and I are navigating this tricky territory, knowing we don’t want to react like our parents did, where cursing was akin to setting fire to the house.
Breaking the Cycle
Growing up, cursing was not just frowned upon; it was downright forbidden in our house. I vividly recall my mom’s reaction when she caught my little brother trying to assert his independence with a note that read, “Gregg Gohmann. Fuck.” The horror! But honestly, could you blame him? It was a hilarious moment that I still chuckle about.
As parents, my husband and I understand why our parents took such a hard stance. They were raising a loud crew of kids and probably feared our home would sound like a sailor’s convention if they didn’t set some rules. But here’s the kicker: that approach backfired. Now, I can control my cursing like a pro, and I’ve never accidentally dropped an F-bomb in front of my mom. (Trust me, that’s an accomplishment!) 💪
But now, with my son, it’s a different ball game. He’s in that phase where he’s testing the waters of adolescence, and cursing is part of that exploration. Our current strategy? Calmly reminding him that cursing can be impolite. But, of course, he responds with a litany of expletives, each one followed by a question about how offensive it really is. Plot twist: it’s not just about the words; it’s about the reactions they provoke!
Words as Power
For my son, the fascination with curse words seems to stem from a desire to understand human emotions. With autism, he’s constantly analyzing the reactions around him, so exploring profanity might be his way of grasping the nuances of language. He genuinely enjoys words, especially the quirky ones, which makes my writer’s heart swell. After all, words are powerful little things!
But here’s where it gets tricky: while I want to foster his love for language, I also need to teach him about societal norms and respect. Cursing can be a form of expression, but it’s essential to know when and where it’s appropriate. I mean, yelling “shit!” during a flu shot? Not exactly the time or place. 🤦♀️
Interestingly, research suggests that cursing can actually help with pain tolerance and might even signify honesty. So, in a way, it’s like a double-edged sword. Sure, it’s crucial to teach kids about language etiquette, but let’s not pretend there aren’t some benefits to it, too. As psychologist Timothy Jay points out, swearing can even be an evolutionary advantage! Who knew?
But let’s be honest: parenting is about finding that balance. It can feel like trying to put a sweater on a cat while navigating underwater! 😂 And honestly, part of me is secretly thrilled that he’s reaching this “milestone” of sorts. Every little step in development matters, right?
So, as I watch my son text his friend “dammit” with that cheeky smile, I can’t help but think about my little brother pushing that paper through the fence all those years ago. It wasn’t just about being naughty; it was a tiny act of rebellion, a declaration of independence. And honestly, for many kids, cursing can represent a taste of freedom. Isn’t it fascinating how language evolves as they grow?
What do you think? How do you handle cursing in your home? Let’s start a conversation! 💬