@#$%^&*!

The gbabes and I had an interesting conversation the other day. One of them noted that in a popular movie, the “f word was said 500 times.” I believe that’s what’s called a ‘teachable moment.’

I’ve noticed a subtle change in their vocabulary recently and this seemed like the perfect time to discuss their choice of words. At 16 and 14, the gbabes have begun casually peppering sentences with words that do not present them in the most positive light. Granted, they probably heard most of them from me at one time or another, nonetheless, out of the mouths of gbabes, the words are uncomfortable to hear.

It has long been established they are welcome to connect their music to the Bluetooth in my car, but no songs with profanity are allowed. Since I don’t have a clue who they’re listening to, it’s impressive how they censor themselves and quickly change songs when necessary. I make it a point to thank them for their thoughtfulness.

It’s hard not to preach, especially when I’m guilty too, so we embarked on a game of “Say this, not that.” “What’s another word that means the same thing but doesn’t make you sound like a thug?” “How would Grammy feel if she heard you say that?” “Do you think using that word makes you sound intelligent or illiterate?” I even went so far as to string a few expletives together so they could hear how it sounds; they were appropriately embarrassed and mortified. Point taken!

I think they got the message without feeling shamed. By the end of the evening, they were saying things like, “Golly gee, I strongly dislike this mess.” I’m fairly sure that was for my benefit, but message heard. The other lesson learned was that I need to clean up my act, too! Shucks!