Setting a better example with my language

Mar 51 min read

My wife called me out last week because my youngest repeated a mild curse word he heard me say in frustration. Felt terrible. That's when it hit me that my kids are always watching and listening. Even the little things matter. Started being way more intentional about my words and thoughts. Praying for the strength to be the man I want them to become. If any of you are struggling with this too you're not alone.

10 comments145 views

Comments(10)

RReggie K.RegularMar 5

Man, I've been there. My oldest picked up a word from me a few months back and I felt like the worst parent ever. The fact that you're aware and working on it puts you ahead of the game already. Kids are like little mirrors, right?

NNick J.RegularMar 5

Good on you for taking it seriously. I work hard on this one myself with three kids in the house. Every time I slip up, I own it in front of them and show them I'm trying to do better too. That matters to them.

BBenny R.RegularMar 5

That's tough but at least you caught it early. I've found it helps to have something else to say in those frustrated moments, like a go-to phrase that won't make you cringe later. Easier said than done though, I get it.

AAlexRegularMar 6

Kids are little parrots, man. They catch everything. Being called out about it by your wife is actually a gift because now you can work on it before it becomes a bigger habit. It's harder than you'd think to break it though.

JJayRegularMar 6

Yeah that moment of hearing your kid repeat something you said hits different. I've been there and it's humbling. The good news is kids are also resilient and if you start being more aware of your language they learn that too.

VVictor R.New DadMar 6

The hardest part is catching yourself before you say it, not after. I've been working on this for years with three kids. It gets easier but you slip up. The fact that your wife called you out is actually a good thing - that's accountability.

SSteve K.New DadMar 6

I appreciate that you're taking this seriously instead of just brushing it off. The fact that you want to set a better example matters way more than the slip-up.

MManuelRegularMar 6

Man, I feel this one. My oldest picked up some choice language from me last month and my wife was NOT happy. I had to do a real audit of what comes out of my mouth, especially when I'm frustrated with work stuff. The kids are like little parrots.

LLance K.RegularMar 7

One of those moments that makes you realize you're shaping little humans and every word counts. You got this though.

LLance K.RegularMar 7

This is real. I caught myself doing the same thing and realized I was basically teaching my kids that it's okay to speak that way as long as I do it first. Started replacing the curse words with stupid dad alternatives and honestly? It's been working. Plus it gives me more material for jokes.