Social Wellness

 Swearing and Your Health

Swearing has been looked down upon in many different ways. A kid swears, most likely he will be scolded for it, maybe you will laugh first then scold, or you will just laugh because kids swearing is funny. I personally agree that it is not something to use lightly. It can be very offensive to people and can make them uncomfortable. We are looking to better other peoples health, not hurt it. What about your health?


(2)I asked some kids what they thought swearing was and here are some of their replies.

• "Swearing is using a bad word."
• "When you get angry and you say a bad word."
• "Using words that are about God but not in a nice way."
• "Saying words that you know mum would not like to hear you say."
• "Using words that you may have heard criminals and cops use in action movies."
• "Using words that are racist or sexist."
• "Saying bad words to express your feelings of anger or frustration."

Kids get that certain words can only be used in certain times. My question to you is get mad when kids use inappropriate words, so why do we use it?

Swear words are simply expletives that are not used in proper language all the time. Studies have shown that swearing is a great way to relieve stress. (1)  It is a great way to release tension. If you are not comfortable with swearing, other expletives are fine. I know someone who said "Oh Flowers" when they got annoyed or angry. I personally use "Flibbergibbits" and "cheese and crackers". It is not offense and makes people laugh. Course I do use certain words when I am angry or want to get a point across. It proves to be very effective in getting attention.

If you are around people that are swearing and you are uncomfortable, it is okay to say you don't like that. Most the time they will stop. If they don't then you are hurting your social wellness by being around those people and should avoid them if you can.

If you do use words that are considered bad, you shouldn't be saying them in the general public. You never know who you will offend or hurt. It is better for everyone if you simply avoid words that would be considered harmful in any way to any race, culture, creed, or average Joe Smoe.

Swearing and bad words have their place and can be offensive to some and not to others. They still bleep out some words on television for the sake of others. If you insist on using a word, look up its origins. It has assisted me to use certain words appropriately when I do use those words.

Now a story from my life.

My son is 3. He kept saying "mommy F*%@"! I couldn't figure it out. We do not use that word in our house nor watch shows that say that word. I asked him to say it again but he kept saying "F%&#". Dumb founded I told him that was not a good word to say. He looked very sad and confused. Day later I turned on a show and he started saying the word again with excitement. I came to realize he was trying to say "Shrek" like the show we were watching. Got it on camera. I laughed about it pretty hard when he wasn't there. We taught him how to say Shrek and now all is good. Kids swear and it is okay. Direct them in the right path and most importantly when teaching a kid not to swear is DON'T FREAK OUT ABOUT IT! They will never stop saying it once you give them the attention, good or bad.


(1)http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-we-swear/
(2)http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=287&id=1538