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AIBU

Swearing in front of children

(111 Posts)
lucygran Tue 26-Jun-18 13:34:28

I couldn't believe my ears the other day when I heard my SIL shout obscenities at the football in front of my DGC.

I understand football is something that people feel passionate about, but I just can't fathom ever using such language in the presence of a child for fear that they will pick up such habits themselves.

I didn't say anything, but am I alone in being shocked at this?

Luckygirl Thu 28-Jun-18 10:42:48

Two of my GC use the word "squit", which in my book refers to loose stools. They use it in relation to stuff on the TV that is rubbish. I think it is very funny - I am sure that either Mum or Dad has groaned at them watching rubbish and called it squit. The rule at my house is that they can watch TV at specified times, but no squit, which mainly refers to Youtube videos of American children doing silly things. Apparently it is irresistible!

Brunette10 Fri 29-Jun-18 08:47:08

Thank you Luckygirl!

CardiffJaguar Fri 29-Jun-18 08:55:42

Bad language is everywhere and it is impossible to prevent children hearing it.

What is worse is the attitude of people who use it. That aggression is both demeaning and irresponsible. It is the worst type of example for any child to follow.

Pat609 Fri 29-Jun-18 11:28:27

As stella1949 said young people today don't regard swearing in the same way we do. They hear it in the street, at school, tv. I think the important thing is to teach them not to use it themselves particularly in front of grown ups. My sil's language is quite bad but I have never heard my grandchildren swear I'm front of me.

pollyperkins Fri 29-Jun-18 13:56:55

Regarding fart, I grew up calling it a 'rude noise' (or rude smell)!! GC use the word trump, and giggle about the US president's name. At secondary school we use to call it blowing off. I don't think I ever heard the word fart (or most of the stronger swear words mentioned) until I was an adult.

When I was small I did once say the word bugger in front of my parents as a friend had told me it was rude and would get a reaction. They were right! Parents hit the roof and I never said it again!

Melanieeastanglia Fri 29-Jun-18 14:43:16

It depends on the level of swearing. I think four letter words and obscene remarks/phrases are completely wrong.

I tried very hard not to swear in front of my children when they were young but I can't say I succeeded 100%. I wouldn't have used four letter words.

Luckygirl Fri 29-Jun-18 16:00:42

I remember driving through Wales when small and we arrived at Abergavenny. I kept calling it Agerbavenny. Mum said "No, not gerba, it's bugger!"

pollyperkins Fri 29-Jun-18 16:10:04

My mlther years ago was with us all at a family wedding and we were discussing birthday presents. Someone said they would like a claw hammer. I asked (I was in my teens) 'what's a claw hammer' and my mother (who was quite proper) demonstrated how it works with two of her fingers. It looked as if she was swearing at us all. She never lived it down. We often asked 'Show us what a claw hammer is!' To peals of laughter!

Marmight Fri 29-Jun-18 21:56:44

I had a car which was forever conking out. I must have sworn about the b****y car not starting while DD1 was sitting in the back. Oops. For her 2nd birthday my parents gave her a pedal car. She could only make it go backwards and couldn't get the hang of forwards at all. She became very cross and said to my Mum "Gaggy, this buddy car won't move". I was never allowed to forget it blush

annodomini Fri 29-Jun-18 22:55:10

Youngest sister, in primary school, was shocked at a boy sending round a rude note in class. 'Mum! He spelt bugger wrong!'