Swearing around your kids is grim isn't it

[SouthWestmom]

So I've done it before - I'm not perfect. And today I sat in a restaurant while the man at the next table said 'fucking' several times to his small children and wife, berated her for spending money on food they wouldn't eat and I just thought that's it. I'm never doing it again. To be fair, it's been by accident and not design but hearing this was horrible. I'd have asked him to stop but didn't want a row.

I would never swear at DS (like I would never swear at DH, or anyone else who hadn’t started a serious confrontation with me first - I reserve the right to swear at catcallers, wannabe muggers etc).

I do find myself swearing in front of DS - a couple of weeks ago he tried to climb onto our (circular) kitchen table and tipped it up, and I said “oh shit!” as I lunged and caught him. He then spent the rest of the night saying “oh sheet!” and giggling, so I’m doing my best not to do that now. I really don’t want him turning up to nursery saying “oh shit”, I don’t remotely object to adults swearing but I do think young children swearing looks pretty tacky. He’s mostly moved on to “oh gosh”, “oh dear” and “oh no” these days, which I am relieved about.

I agree, and the example did not seem to be by accident or in times of extreme stress such as an accident.

Speedybojangles you got me there!

iwas startled and yelled, "What the hell did you just do?!" blush

You....monster!

I can't be around people like you. It's time for me to get out of this gosh-forsaken heck-hole.

Sounds like an arse. And not for the swearing.

We swear. I think it’s really important to learn to do it appropriately: so not ‘at’ people and not in a restaurant in an abusive way!

For example we watch ‘detectorists’ as a family. There is nothing in there I wouldn’t want them to see, but the is a lot of swearing. I don’t mind it because it’s done appropriately

If he'd removed the word fucking would his behaviour gave been ok though?

My mum never ever swore in front of us as children so i have naturally been the same with my DC. I have lots of friends who swear in front of their kids and as long as they aren't aiming it at the child I don't really see it as a big deal. Even though my mum never swore, my Dad did and we never ended up foul mouthed because of it. We just found it quite funny as kids 😁

Interesting question waffly
Initially I would say no just because I was surprised at how grim the f word sounded being repeated in conversation a lot.
Towards the end he was not pleasant - I hate people moaning about their kids in front of them or moaning at their partner in front of their kids - it's a bit undermining for the partner and I think it's borderline abusive for kids

Was out once with DH when DS were littler in a family friendly restaurant.

Family behind us , bloke swearing , I get fed up and politely turned and asked to keep the swearing down to which the mans wife scowled at me and said ' He's got fucking Tourette's '

Says it all really about some people.

I've been so careful about my language since having DS as he copies everything!
Luckily the worst things he's ever said are 'Oh sake!' in a grumpy voice from me saying 'oh for goodness sake'
and 'Flipping!' from once when I stubbed my toe and stopped myself saying anything worse

I know Hell isn't that bad but I try not to say things he might get in trouble for repeating at his church playgroup or when he starts school.
I have a memory of being very confused and humiliated by one of my teachers shouting at me for using a word that I had no idea was swearing.

I'm also trying to set a good example for my parents as I always have to ask them to mind their language if they visit.

I also remember my Goddaughter at 3, dropping something and loudly saying, "Oh, fuck it!"