Do you let your kids cuss?

I cuss. A lot. I like those seven "naughty" words because they express how I am feeling in that moment better than any other words in the English language. Perhaps because I majored in English, I believe that a language is a living, changing thing. I recognize that words are given value (positive and negative), but that the word itself if not offensive unless we have been taught that it is. That might be the reason I love those bad words so much - okay, that and the shock value doesn't hurt.

Yes, I use them in my adult classroom. Typically, I explain my reasoning and most students are fine with it. This doesn't mean that they don't have questions or shitty comments:

• Don't you have a broader vocabulary?
• Shouldn't you act more professional?
• I would expect more from an English Professor. 
• Did your parents let you talk this way?
• Those words are a reflection of your behavior!
• Don't you have any morals?

But my favorite of all times is: Do you let your kids cuss?

Now, let me clear about this - I do NOT cuss at people. I don't call people names, but I may tell my students to turn in their shit that is due, or stub my toe and yell, "Fuck." I mean, honestly, that word serves the best when you stub your toy or step on a Lego.

In my house, stupid is just as bad a word a bitch. Honestly, I might have my feelings hurt more if someone called me stupid. So, in response to the people who as me if I let me kids cuss, I tell them if they want to - as long as it wasn't directed at someone. However, I also tell me kids the truth. There are many, many people who believe those words are "bad," and if you chose to use them outside our home, people will think I am a terrible mother.

What? That isn't manipulation - it is the truth. So do my kids cuss? Nope, not really. They love me and wouldn't want anyone to think I am a bad mom!

The funniest thing is that kids have an uncanny way of using foul language in the most appropriate ways - that is why I hate to forbid any words.

For example, Ethan was three - I told him to go play on the swings in our backyard, so he headed out. A few minutes later he came back in, so I asked him why he wasn't playing out back anymore. His response, "there is too much dog shit out there because dad hasn't cleaned it up." Funniest (and most honest) answer ever. Really, how was I supposed to stop and correct him to say poop, not shit. I mean it was only the truth.

I just laughed and moved on. In my house, you are more likely to hear Emmett call one of us a dummy, stupid head, idiot - then one of the seven forbidden words.