This post was written in part by Delaney Driscoll , Friendship Garden Nursery School Educator

You are not alone if you experience your child expressing themselves using bad or swear words!

Children hear the language being used around them, think about what you said when getting cut off in traffic, or dropping a bag in a hurry getting out the door. Children repeat this in and out of context.  We appreciate that they are using their words to communicate how they feel, and also we’re trying to model for them more descriptive, appropriate replacement exclamations when we can.

We say silly things or use constructive language depending on the situation, children are usually not trying to be hurtful or “bad” they are being expressive. We appreciate families that help us explain why we can’t use those words since we can’t give meaning or explanation to them.

Next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, what will you say?