MOMoirs

April 7, 2013


Sharing a lesson learned, the day P!t@*&%!@ was uttered.

Hey folks! Well uhm, I have made some proud mommy posts in this blog but while I look forward to more of those, I am also sharing a recent experience that makes me cringe as a result of some stupid parent mistakes. 

So there, Pio has finally uttered his first cuss word  I mean words. He dropped the bomb amid North Korea's nuclear threat, (talk about timing) with no less than the word:  P!t@*&%!@ and the "couple word" G@?! and G@!?. Straight and clear as if he's saying I love you so much mommy LA!

I was pathetic, my mouth fell open.

Before you virtually tsk tsk me, let it be known that I am 75% certain it did not come from me but I am not washing my hands of this too (hence the 75%). It's just that Roey is really the more explicit and ecstatic and frequent "cusser" of us two (sorry daddy Woweee!). More than that, I am well aware that Pio has reached that stage where he mimics every.single.thing he hears. And I am also so surprised that his vocabulary is multiplying by leaps and bounds capable of constructing ludicrous full sentences at his age. With this in mind, I always tell myself that every time I would let a bad word slip my mouth, Pio is going to repeat me one day so I keep most of my cussing unheard.

I can't and I won't trace exactly where, when, and how Pio has probably picked them up but more than knowing that, we were quick in doing some damage control.

The firm and consistent "Stop saying that, Pio, that's a bad word"  followed by "Say sorry to mommy and daddy, NOW!" (in a usually authoritative voice of Roey) seems to be working less in the beginning. I was honestly frustrated for the past days because I was unsure how to correctly deal with Pio's swearing. But then I figured there is really no quick fix and waiting is indeed part of the game. We even had to resort to softly hitting Pio's mouth to emphasize that cussing is something he must not do. Such a heartbreaking scene especially when he tries to control his tears!

At least the verbal and physical discipline combo is slowly reaping benefits. In almost two weeks, the toooooot words are disappearing one by one. Pio even learned how to substitute. He'd say, "Oh gaaag..gaaash..Oh my gosh!" or "Gag... Gagsy gags oh my gosh!" as soon as he notices that we are around. Haaay this little boy.

I validate Pio's progress with Ate Joy especially now that they go out almost every day to play with other kids. My goal is to eliminate everything in time for his summer school this month. I can't be summoned to school just yet!

Thankfully, recorded bad words are becoming less and less frequent (woohooooo!!!). I know I know, it's not yet the day for celebration (hello gradeschool years, hello teenage years) but for now please allow me to breathe a sigh of relief.

Ultimately, its really watching our own mouth. Roey and I made a pinky swear promise that we would consciously watch what we say in front of the little mister from now. Believe me, those words are real pain in the ears when they come from a toddler, all the more your own!

(Aside from my own mother, babycenter.com has been  my parenting bible for the last two years and most of the time, their suggested tips/tricks work for me. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that parenting is not cast in stone and is something hugely personal. For reference, you can read more about dealing with a swearing here)