Ask anyone who knows me at all and they’ll tell you that I’ve never been particularly ladylike when it comes to conversation. In fact, for as long as I can remember I’ve had the mouth of a trucker and haven’t been afraid to use it. Sometimes to my disadvantage, but more often than not allowing me to fit in with the guys and bond with like-minded ass-kicking ladies.

Anyways, I knew that once I had kids I’d have to be more mindful of the language I used around the little people, I just didn’t think it’d be so soon.

Today, D started running around the house yelling “Oh f%@!” and his daddy looked at me with big eyes and I knew I was in trouble.

Part of me couldn’t stifle the laughter at this tiny little person running around and cursing his toys and his lunch in the sweetest little voice, and the other part of me was thinking, “Oh f%@!, what are the other parents going to think of us at playgroup?” We already had an epic meltdown at the library circle time the other day (stay tuned for that post), what if he starts cursing the next time we’re there?!

Needless to say D was mighty pleased with himself after seeing how reactionary daddy and I were with his newfound vocabulary, which prompted him to continue saying it over and over again. (I’m sorry, dear!) We went with the old but effective ‘we’ll take x toy away if you say that word again’ trick, and he stopped. But then at supper he hurt his finger and began swearing again. (So long Drip and four-wheeler).

When I was pregnant, husband and I knew we’d have to make a conscious effort to cut down on the salty language so that it was easier after babe arrived – and for a while I did all right, L is much better than me. But then it started creeping back in again.

Now, in my defence, I really only curse when injured or incredibly frustrated, so I like to tell myself it’s not that often. But really, a two-year-old is incredibly frustrating, so I’ve probably been cussing more than I think I have. I don’t know how but I’m going to have to cut down on the bad words even more seriously now that little parroting ears are keenly listening.

Do you have any tips to help cut down on cursing in front of the kids? Please let me know in the comments below!