Parents Who Say Fu**

I was recently told by someone in authority that I speak very eloquently.  I absolutely appreciate the compliment.  In fact, it means more to me than I can possibly say.  I'm told that I use too many "$20 words", which I attribute to working with kids all day long and needing to have that adult interaction. It's something that I am proud of but I don't , often, consider.

Here's why....

My frequent use of profanity.  Let me preface this part by saying that I can absolutely control it.  I can be in a public situation and speak like an adult.  Yes, I understand that there is a theory that profanity shows lack of intelligence (which I find to be ridiculous because I know plenty of brilliant people who say the "f" word on a regular basis).  Yes I understand that there are productive ways to express myself without profanity.  I understand all of the arguments AGAINST use of profanity.  I've heard it all.  I've heard everything from it being a sin to a disgrace as a parent.  Spare me.

So why do I swear?

I swear because sometimes "oh cheese and crackers" just doesn't cut it.  Sometimes just mumbling the phrase "oh for fu**'s sake" is a great tension breaker.  When I'm watching a football game, sometimes "what the fu** was THAT"  is the best possible phrase to describe how I'm feeling.  Sometimes it's a noun and sometimes it's an adjective.  Occasionally, it's even a verb.  The fact is that these words are fluid and sometimes they are the best word to sum up what I need to say.

"But your kids are going to swear too."

This argument is hysterical to me.  1- They hear me say it and know that it's an "adult" word and when they're adults, they can choose to use it or not.  2- There are some things that kids need to realize are not appropriate for them because they're kids.  It's a clearly defined line, thank you very much. 3- If you think for a heartbeat of a second that your teenager isn't swearing behind your back anyway, you're crazy.  Believe me, they're doing it.  In fact, your younger kids might be doing it too.  Realistically, if they are practicing restraint, they clearly understand the general rules of profanity in public anyway.

"But you're such a pretty girl, why do you need to have such a filthy mouth?"

Are you kidding me?  I've seen some absolutely stunning women who have the intelligence of an apricot pit.  I'd much sooner hear the "f" word coming out of a pretty girl's mouth than have her give an uninformed, unintelligent commentary on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians."

"But those words are offensive."

Offensive to whom?  Why is everyone so offended by everything nowadays?  I think there are words that are far more offensive than any profane word that I use.  The use of the word "retard" would be a great example of a FAR more offensive word (yes, retarded can mean slow as in "my computer's fan seems to be retarded but most people aren't using it in that fashion).  Any racial or homophobic slur is the same way.  These words are far more offensive.  I suppose that the context is key.  Either way, something being offensive is pretty commonplace these days.

The point of all of this is that there are plenty of great parents in this world that use profanity on a daily basis and their kids are honor students (as in my case), don't swear and are well-rounded, polite children.  Don't jump to a conclusion about my use of the "f "word and I won't jump to a conclusion about your lack thereof.