The "F-Word"



Oh, fudge!

A friend recently commented on that parenting rite of passage: a child's first cuss word.

Personally, I don't really understand why some words are considered profanity and other words (that mean the exact same thing!) are considered appropriate.  And frankly, if I don't get it, I don't really expect an Aspie to get it.

When Boo was younger, I worked pretty hard to keep him from hearing these "special occasion words", since he had no sense of when to really not use them.  Still, he picked up on a few things.

When he was in 2nd or 3rd grade, he had figured out that there was an "F-word" that was not to be used.  Ever.  And kids who said it got into BIG trouble. One day he referred to someone as a 'fool' and I told him that wasn't a good thing to call someone.  He put these two facts together and deduced that the F-word was 'fool'.

So, what is a mom supposed to do?  Do I tell him, "Oh, no, Boo.  The F-word is actually f***, but promise you will never use it, ok?"

Yea, right.

After a few years of being sheltered in private schools, he rejoined the public school system in 4th grade.  Thankfully, his Principal (who we loved!) was very understanding when Boo was tricked into letting loose with a very loud string of profanity, including that actual F-word, in the school cafeteria.

Fast forward half a decade to when I marry a Yankee whose language is very colorful...

Because he hears these words at home, daily - insert sad face here - Boo's language has 'flowered' a bit.  My concern is not so much about the actual language but about the situation in which it is being used.  I have told him repeatedly that it would be a very bad habit for him to pick up since he often does not take context into consideration when making social decisions.

Case in point: Boo's last IEP meeting was a few weeks ago.  His teachers started teasing him a little about a girl who likes him.  He did a facepalm, and said "Oh, f***." 

Way to go, Boo.  Way to go.