My Baby Swears

What's a mom to do when her two-year-old curses? Cut her off from movies and big sisters?

The other day my two-year-old daughter looked up from her Cheerios, pointed at her elder sister and announced, "You are an asko." I spluttered, "Clementine! That is a bad word, and you should not say it!" She said sweetly, "O.K." Then she muttered under her breath, "Mommy is an even more asko."

My baby swears. Even as I type this I realize that only a generation ago, it would have sounded ludicrous. I, for one, did not know any cusswords, as we called them, until I entered school. And to this day, I know better than to say them in front...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!