Swearing

[ck1]

What age, if at all, did you introduce swear words to your kids. I'm sure mine are going to be exposed to all of the bad language I have tried to keep them away from now they are getting older so am tempted to tell them the bad words, explain what they mean and let them know that they are not to be used. I'm quite comfortable assuming their ignorance at the moment but guess it's better if they understand what they are hearing?

[jno]

why bother? You aren't responsible for teaching your kids absolutely everything.

If you're talking about real swearing the words don't "mean" anything except "ouch" or "you idiot". If you're talking about slang terms for body parts etc, you could tell them, but why not just teach them how to use a dictionary?

If you're uncomfortable with them using such words around home (I was) just tell them not to do so. But they'll mostly pick up the meanings, and the propriety of using them, outside the home.

[ck1]

They can use a dictionary, but while a dictionary will give a definition it wont necessarily put any context into it. They have never used any bad words around the house and, according to them, don't even know any bad words (I did get them to admit to hearing 'bloody' in a movie)

[cupid04]

They seem to learn them a lot younger these days.
I didn't know any of the real vulgar language before I started at senior school.

[pixie373]

I didn't. They soon learn them at school, so I explained when it was not appropriate to use them. And to avoid swearing as much as possible anyway.

[jd_1984]

Unintentionally, I have introduced a couple!!
I suppose if they are going to hear them at school, it may be an idea for you to introduce the words and their meaning so that they know not to repeat. Perhaps high school age (11-12)

[yogasun]

When I was at secondary school we thought it was incredibly daring to say 'bloody' ! How times have changed!

My sons seemed to know instinctively what was not acceptable at home or in general company

[patandron]

I think dam,dam double dam two hells and a bugger sums it up!!

[ummmm]

I am potty mouthed...

To me they are just words and the meaning of the words depends on the person saying them.

Swearing when you stub your toe has a completely different meaning to swearing at someone.

[emmie]

they will pick them up at any age, i have heard many naughty, and some very nasty swear words out of the mouths of babes, at least 4 years on, not good.

[answermethat]

F-bombs are so commonplace nowadays: In everyday conversation, in what passes for music, in books, the movies, and on TV.
I can confidently guarantee that your kids are already so proficient that they could introduce you to a few you have never encountered!

[boxtops]

all you can do is make it clear that you won't tolerate swearing or sexual language around your home. You can't control what they say or hear outside. It's your home, your rules.

If you define the bad words for them, they're more likely to test them out, IMO - if you should hear a bad word coming out of their mouths, then's the time to tell them what it really means.

[rufuscat]

Try using a nonsense swear word as a bridge when they start school. They will pick up words there that will make your hair curl, but if you give them an attractive alternative...... Try our trick- we have told each of our four sons in turn that the worst phrase to use is "Rule Britannia", only to be said when a really bad word is needed. It's remarkable how quickly it catches on and they forget some of the less social-friendly words.

[abwr74]

No point introducing swear words - just go onto the kids (or grandkids) twitter accounts and be SHOCKED at the age they start. Swear myself but would never swear in writing as they do today!!!!!

[jackthehat]

I told my son that the 'grown-up' thing about swearing was not knowing the words themselves (and/or what they meant), it was knowing when was an appropriate time to use them and when wasn't.