Swearing – from X to U rated
Why he swears and how to curtail his cursing
Phew! Looks like we parents are off the hook (well nearly). Although it’s often assumed that parents are solely responsible for our children’s bad language – in those moments when we just can’t help but let rip after burning ourselves on the oven door or when the front door slams shut, keys on the inside, us on the outside – a US study by Timothy Jay found that children actually learn to swear most at school, to be “one of the gang” – and it’s most prevalent among young boys. It increases to a peak between seven and eight years and then reduces until ages 11–12. However, early use is probably imitative, so we do still have to mind your language, and the decrease reflects how, as your child gets older, he will become aware of the unacceptability of swearing.
If your child is prone to letting off a stream of expletives at the drop of a hat, provide him with ones less likely to offend. Try these:
Oh my giddy aunt! If in doubt, blame it on a ditzy relative.
Curses! It’s fun to shout, and it makes you feel like Dick Dastardly, as does Drat!
Freaking, Fish, or Fiddlesticks Because sometimes only an ‘F’ word will do.
Gordon Bennett An expletive with a lovely satisfying bite.
Golly It’s terribly PG Wodehouse, but my friend swears by it. Or doesn’t, if you get my drift.
What the cuss? Favourite expletive of the Fantastic Mr Fox.
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