The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #65404 Message #1079741
Posted By: Jim Dixon
25-Dec-03 - 12:31 PM
Thread Name: BS: The things kids say!
Subject: RE: BS: The things kids say!
Once, when my son Will was about four, we were out in the car together, and I almost ran a red light. I caught myself at the last second though, and said, "Oh, shit!" as I hit the brakes. I immediately regretted swearing in front of my son. I decided I had better not let the incident go without comment, because I didn't want my son to pick up any bad habits.
I said, "You know, I said a bad word back there."
"You did? What was it?"
"You mean you didn't hear it? Oh, well, then, never mind."
"No, I want to know what you said."
"I'd rather not repeat it."
"No, tell me. I want to know.... Did you say, 'stupid'?"
(I should explain—in day care, my son had been taught that it's not nice to call other kids stupid—a rule I endorse.)
I had to smile. "No, I didn't say 'stupid'."
"Did you say, 'fucker'?"
I nearly choked. "Will! I didn't know you knew that word!"
"I know tons of 'em. I hear 'em in day care."
I can't remember the rest of the conversation, but after I got over the shock, I was generally pleased. My son knew what the bad words were, but he didn't use them—the ideal situation. He's 16 now, and still a well-mannered kid. We're proud of him.