Stepchildren and language

[PG2018]

I have to dsc 4 and 6, twice this weekend they used the word fart. The first time I was looking after them on my own so told them it wasn't a word we use. Today they used the word again, DP didn't seem to bat an eye lid (although did later agree with me). I think if they were older I wouldn't like it but would accept it more. Is this inappropriate or am I being a prude?

Not your kids so it should have been left to the parents to decide if it was appropriate or not. I would be pissed off if a step parent was telling my child off for saying non-sweary words I believe are appropriate.

A song for you OP

Enjoy

As the word is in the current live action lion king movie in the the Hakuna Matara song you are definitely prudish

God help you for the future

Haha!

YABU

It’s not swearing, their parent was ok with it, it’s not your place to impose stricter rules than their own parents about something so innocuous that hurts no one apart from your delicate sensitivities

I agree OP. I hate the word and although my DCs are grown now, I never let them use it, ever, in front of me. In fact I never let them swear at all, but was surprised that some parents when my DCs were young, didn’t mind if their DCs swore or not. When you have play dates you generally find out who the more liberal parents are, ie burping at the table or worse, breaking wind at the table, and then thinking it hilarious. I’m proud that my DCs were always complimented on how polite and articulate they were, and I like to think it’s because they’ve been brought up with manners.

I assume you don’t have children yourself - but if you do school books are going to be a huge shock for you😂

I hate the word fart. Unfortunately it is now completely acceptable and not seen as a swear word.

I'm a teacher and gave one of my classes a big speech on how I loathe the word fart (after a child had said it). There were giggles and shock from the children but I explained I was brought up to believe it wasn't acceptable and that thought has just stuck.

Pick your battles, they'll be worse language to deal with in later years.

What with this post, and the other about crap, I wonder how some posters cope in the real world

Fart, poo, bum, willy.

I'm with you OP. My children 5&9 used the word trump -a lot. They are aware of fart and I'm sure use it at school, but at home I prefer not. There are plenty of nice ways to remind them that it's not the word we use in our house. OP's partner agreed with her so she's not overstepping the mark.

Seriously?? Fart?? Dear God, lighten up. They're 4 & 6 - ALL kids that age LOVE words like fart, bum & poo! What would you rather they called it?? 😆

How about parp?

I recently taught DS (5) the "Beans, beans are good for your heart" song. I am a terrible parent

I was brought up not to say it too, but dh wasn't and tbh I think it was ridiculously prudish of my parents. It's informal slang, not swearing. I don't bat an eyelid if my dc say it.

When I was a child fart was considered a bit rude. My mum called them windy poppers

It was rude when I was a child too (we were breaking wind) every kid says it now. But Windy poppers is amazing

Yeah, I'm with you OP but we're in the minority nowadays. It's even been in a reading scheme I used.

Fart was considered a rude word when I was growing up (north east, 70s) - not terrible but in the same league as words like ‘crap’ - would have been told off for saying it at home, we used ‘pump’ instead. I started off telling my son not to use ‘fart’ but it’s so mainstream now that there’s no point and I overlook it, I still don’t like to hear it though.

To the people asking if I've got children, yes I do and that is part of my issue I don't want my son starting to use the word. To the people saying it could be a lot worse, I absolutely agree and that's what I was getting at when I said it wouldn't be as much of an issue if they were older! Finally to the people who basically told me to mind my own business and leave it to the parents I'm not sure how this works when I look after them on my own! Yet again MN making out step parents out to always be in the wrong!

Jesus wept 2nd thread tonight complaining about step children using language these step mother doesnt like. Both times, the words are very mild. Fart iant even a bad word.

And people wonder why step mothers have a bad reputation.

You havent said what they should say instead

If you pick the word fart as your hill to die on then I’m sorry but your not cut out for being step parent.

I'm I the only one who didn't know some people find the word fart offensive and is worrying that there are people secretly judging me for using it?

I don’t think looking After children on your own gives you rights over their use of language (unless they drop an f bomb😊).

It’s not an anti step mum comment - the step parent thing gets very sensitive on here I know, but you aren’t on equal footing with their mum and dad.

I don’t think you will be able to shelter your son from the word. Maybe telling the children something like

‘ I know it isn’t a bad word but it makes my teeth itch. Can you do me a big favour and not say it in front of me or baby Harold. You can say it ten times in the car in the way home😂.‘

Make a joke out of it rather then try to lay down he law, which will only end badly.

You will also never be able to allow your own children to watch the despicable me movies, because they will want a fart gun.

So what word do you actually want them to use??