Inheriting the curse

by Nancy

A couple of weeks ago, my daughter was doing something, had some trouble and said, "Jesus." So I explain, some people would find that offensive ... etc. She tries to do the same thing again. This time, she says, "Jeez." So I explain, sorry that's a short form of the same thing. "Where did you get that expression from anyway?" I ask. She tells me that she got it from me. I deny that right away, "Maybe from your father."

Until, of course, the next time we're driving. Well, I'm driving. She's listening for the cursing. I'm in the right lane, and a lady in the left turn lane goes straight, then beeps at me as if I cut her off. I say, "Jeez." Lily says, "MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I apologize. She suggests I say, "Oh, man" instead.

It turns out I curse a lot when I drive. Lily, on the other hand, has never said either word again. I tell her that every time she makes me aware of it, I am a step closer to breaking my habit. She's happy to help.

Comments

[medicmom]

My daughter and I both say the same thing (jesus and jeeze). I know it's not good to say that but dang it is so hard to break the habit once you start.

[barbara]

when my son was 2 he said "the F word" at his babysitter's house. when she told me about it she was obviously truly perturbed, scandalized i think...not much less when i admitted, "oops, i think we might have to wash mommy's mouth out with soap..."

[Amber]

I cringe everytime I hear one of the kids saying 'Oh My God' (esp when they do it in front of my mom or dad) but I *know* where they hear it!! HELP!!

[Kelly]

Oh boy, you wouldn't know WHAT to do with a potty mouth like me. Jeeze.