> But I find that overuse of swearing usually detracts from a conversation A reasonable concern. But don’t get carried away. We don’t need under use either! W

> But I find that overuse of swearing usually detracts from a conversation A reasonable concern. But don’t get carried away. We don’t need under use either! When my kids were young I told then that swear words were not inherently bad, but needed to be used appropriately. And I told them I couldn’t let them use them because they were not ready for that nuance, but also culturally, young children swearing was not a path to youthful success. One day driving two of them through town, my son mentioned that one of his friends said a bad word. I asked him which one, and he said “You know … fuh…!” He got his meaning across, and I was about to so “oh, ok” when his sister blurted out “kuh!” My son looked at her with surprise and admiration, and proceeded to exclaim “fuh” again, followed by his sister in what became an instant chanting game. I had to use my outdoor voice to get them to stop. My son pleaded with me. “We aren’t actually saying it, Dad!” But I told them I couldn’t allow it. He cried! I think he was four. I tried to be serious and empathetic. But no loop holes.