Allegedly my two daughters were playing with some of my old Beanie Babies, when it happened.
My youngest was holding the lion Beanie Baby, when she decided that the lion needed to tell her older sister’s Beanie Baby, “That’s bullshit!”
Where could this innocent face have learned her first swear word??
I admit I wasn’t there for my younger daughter’s first curse word – a right of my passage – as some may say.
It happened under grandma’s watch.
She immediately stopped to ask her to confirm what she had just heard.
My little one very calmly and innocently repeated the phrase confirming what my mom hoped she hadn’t heard.
What proceeded was my mom trying to find out where she heard this and why she would say this.
Immediately upon realizing she might have done something wrong and be in trouble, the same child clammed up and wouldn’t tell her grandmother, nor her father when he questioned her, too.
Once I finally was able to sit down with her, I also continually received the same quiet, but equally aggravating response as both my mom and my husband.
Then just as my frustrations were seemingly bubbling over I found myself almost uttering her now famous first curse word, BULLSHIT, ironically right before her admission.
I literally caught myself, as I almost said this to my now 4 year old child, quickly realizing that the culprit might very of well have been none other, then yours truly.
Yes I was the guilty party, who taught my 4 year old how to swear!
Even now, I sheepishly admit, I have been known to have a potty mouth, especially in my younger days and even now sometimes when I lose my temper a few choice words may slip out.
I thought I have done my best to watch what I am saying in front of both girls, but sadly I must have slipped.
So, guilty as charged and not proud by any means for my slip up.
Yet, more proud could I not be that actually she didn’t want to rat her own mother out and is why she was indeed resistant, as well as hesitant to divulge where she actually heard this first ‘bad’ word of probably many as she ages.
But when all else fails, my kid has my back and is definitely my girl!
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massholemommy says
I am not laughing over here, I swear 😉 I remember the first time my oldest said "dammit" and I was HORRIFIED. He also heard it at school, which makes me wonder what the heck else they pick up while they are not with me.
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Janine Huldie says
Robin, trust me I was in shock, but do think the shock has worn off now, but still couldn't believe my 3 1/2 year old uttered this word without even blinking. Crazy what they do pick up when they aren't around us in school.
ashleyinnc says
I am DYING laughing! I just love the fact that she did it for the first time in front on your mom…BWAH HA HA HA!! And let's just say that it is possible my children may have heard a word or two from me as well. Maybe. I hope not. Probably, though.;)-Ashley
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Janine Huldie says
Ashley, thank god my mom is pretty cool and even reminded me again that I did do what I did at her age, but still have to admit it may very well have come from me and hanging my head in shame now!! 🙂
ginnymarie says
I am very guilty of the same; I swear in front of my children and then say, "Mommy shouldn't have said that!" Usually I'm driving at the time! I have to blame my dad for teaching me the worst words. He also taught my mom how to swear. You would think he's a truck driver, not a pastor!
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Janine Huldie says
Christa, it was so my grandfather for me and he was a NYC butcher. But still nicest man, but could curse withe the best of them. And like you I have the same reaction after I say a bad word, but apparently, Lily still didn't think anything of it to say this and god help me for the teenage years with this one now! 🙂
April G says
I am completely guilty of cussing like a sailor. Wonderfully, my son has never uttered such a word in my presence. I have a feeling that I won’t be so lucky with my girls!
Janine Huldie says
April, Emma hasn't either, but Lily this kid I have a feeling is going to give me run for my mom and as I said to Christa, God help for the teenage years now!
katbiggie says
So sweet that she didn't want to rat you out!!!
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Janine Huldie says
Alexa, I know and was amazed and mortified all in the same moment that I realized it. Talk about mixed emotions!
MelChi says
Lol!!! Reading this today made me smile and brought back some memories of when my brother and I were similar ages and said words like that for the first time. Wasn't funny back then – can't remember what punishment we had, probably standing in a corner or getting a hiding – but looking back now, it was. I remember running to my mom and "telling on" my brother that he'd said "Crickey" LOL.
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Janine Huldie says
Melanie, I remember those days fondly too and we were always seeing how we could get each other in trouble, curse words or not! 🙂
dianeroark says
The innocents of a child. I do not think she knew it was bad, or she would not have said it in front of your mom. I am sure she knows it is bad now. Lily will be catching and pointing out everyone who says this word from now on.
I enjoyed reading this and that is the sweetest picture of Lily.
Blessings and have a great week!
Diane Roark
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Janine Huldie says
I do agree with you Diane and don't think she knew it was abad word. So total innocence of a child for sure here. And I do love that photo of Lily from late last year (one of my favorites of her). Have a wonderful week ahead, too now!! 🙂
Joy from Yesterfood says
Janine, this is a great reminder for us to remember that "little pitchers have big ears" as my daddy used to say. 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, love your Daddy's saying and truly says it all!! 🙂
kathyradigan says
Why do they always say their first curse words in front of grandparents and in-laws! I remember last year someone cut me off and I didn't say anything, my son turned to me and said, mom there is the jackass that cut you off! I was so proud!
Janine Huldie says
I know Kathy, it just Murphy's Law, but thankful it was at the very least my mom, who gets me versus someone front he extended family or my husband's side that might not of gotten me. But sounds like a proud moment indeed that you shared 🙂
Billybuc says
"Potty mouth" is too kind when describing words that escape my mouth at times. Oh well. I never claimed to be perfect. In fact, I don't hang with "perfect" people. They are much too boring. 🙂
Have a great Monday, Janine.
Janine Huldie says
Bill, I couldn't love you more if I tried and seriously it is good to know it isn't just me at times. Thank you my friend and wishing you a wonderful Monday again indeed 🙂
theseanamethod says
With a face like that, I think she can get away with anything:) I've had bad language thrown back into my face by one of my teenagers, even though I really only use a bad word when I really need it. But hey, keeps keep us honest for sure. I think she gets credit for trying to cover for you!
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Janine Huldie says
Seana, I totally give her credit for that and like I said a few times this morning, I know I am in for in myself with the teenage years!! 🙂
realhousewife says
Sorry but that's hilarious!
My grandma used to love to tell everyone the story about how she bought me a box of animal crackers ( i was about 3) and I gave them back to her and asked her if she would open the sun of a B%#~>es! LMAO!
Janine Huldie says
Kelly, I am so glad I was done drinking my bottle of water right now, because once I read your comment I laughed for about 2 minutes straight before I could compose myself enough to reply. Love you so much and seriously sounds like we were a lot alike at 3 years old 🙂
irkedmommy says
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! My sons first swear word was "shit". Specifically, "Oh shit!", he uttered this after spilling his snack on the floor at about 4 years old. It was then that I realized, he gave my exact response before I did. Oops!
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Janine Huldie says
You said it perfectly Echo and seriously they just say it like we would when they do! 🙂
Growing Up Madison says
Hahaha I tend to watch what I say around Madison who is like a sponge but occasionally they slip out and so far she's been good. We aren't perfect parents and we do try our best which is what we all can do. Lily is fine and I'm sure you'll be hearing a few more later. Just take it in stride and smile. 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
I try my best, too, but apparently I do still slip and Lily caught me. But you are right sure there will be more to come and god help me now! 😉
Kerri says
HAHAHAHA I remember Abby's first curse word. In a store, with an old lady next to me. I said WHO TOLD YOU THAT WORD!!! She replied, Uncle M. I called him and said, I am sure she has heard the from us but he is the one she sold out in Target!
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Janine Huldie says
I love that Uncle M got ratted out in Target and it is interesting where they do find the time and moment to just blurt their first bad words out!
Sandy_Ramsey says
This has NEVER happened to me. Honest! Okay, maybe once. 🙂 I do the same thing and it is especially bad in the car. I am the most impatient driver and I have had to come up with some pretty creative words in the past few years to replace the ones I really want to say. I have to tell you though, looking at that sweet, sweet face….I have a hard time seeing here spew profanity!
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Janine Huldie says
Lol, Sandy I know she does have a really cute face (totally prejudice, can you tell!). But still I am with you on being a bit of an impatient driver (yes have my dear grandfather o thank for that trait, too) and I am constantly trying to come up with new words and bite my tongue too when they are in the car with me.
another jennifer says
Well, I admit to swearing in front of my kids every now and then. I'm not proud, but I am human! It's okay to slip every now and then. They're going to hear it eventually, right?
Janine Huldie says
Totally are going to hear it eventually, Jennifer and will say in the grand scheme think it is better to hear it from us then others at the very least, I suppose.
Lanaya says
Well … that just sums up that our brains are in sync every which way possible! It's funny how Lily and Reagan seem to be on the same track of mind.
I'm pretty sure you are spot on — it is us that they learn the most from. I know my attitude at times definitely wears off on Rey and she and I tend to feed each other crap if we are both in crazy moods.
Aww .. parenting! Isn't it fun??
xoxo
Lanaya
Janine Huldie says
Lanaya, pretty just is oodles of fun, lol!! But seriously, fi I had to share this with anyone I am so glad it is you. Love you tons!!! 🙂 xoxo!!
@SineaPies says
When we were first married and our son was just a year old, a wonderful friend gave my husband (who could cuss like a sailor) advice. He said "if you don't want to hear those words coming out of little Josh, don't use them EVER" Kevin was right. Thankfully, Josh never did pick it up but our little ones are sponges. What comes in will come out! What a sweet story. Your Lily is adorable! (We have a Lily in our family too)
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you Sinea and will say I try very hard not to curse, but sometimes I just can't help it. Sad, but true 🙂
Rea Alducente says
I super try my best not to. I said "shit" once or twice and my son immediately caught it and used the word. So I promised never to say it again. At least not in front of him. LOL.
Janine Huldie says
I try too Rea and will say it was apparently a slip of the tongue. So apparently I need to try a bit harder.
Kenya G. Johnson says
You should see me suppressing a laugh like Lily is here and I don't want her to see that I think it's funny. LOL 😉 Christopher said, "Oh shit" while playing a video game. I am sure he got this from his dad – as it was the end of the summer before 1st grade. He didn't rat his daddy out either 😉
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Janine Huldie says
I am glad Christopher didn't rat out his daddy either. And also happy to know it isn't just me 🙂
@MamaRabia says
My kids probably get their language from me. Benjamin's favorite lately has been "dammit" but he doesn't use it correctly. When he gets really mad, he starts crying and yells, "This is so dammit!" It kinda makes me laugh a bit (before I explain to him that he shouldn't talk like that!)
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Janine Huldie says
I know I have had moments like that where they ay something and I have to turn away and not laugh in their faces, too 🙂
Dana says
I've starting slipping more often now that my kids are older. It's not as funny when a 12 year old says it! I know they'll curse with their friends, but I just don't want to hear it from them yet. Even now I rarely curse in front of my parents!
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Janine Huldie says
Dana, reality is I know they will say it as they get older with friends, but totally don't want to hear it myself nor at this age either.
anothercleanslate says
Aww well at least you know she isn't a tattletale and your secrets are safe!
Janine Huldie says
So true Kate and got to thank god for small favors 🙂
[email protected] says
It's natural to mis-speak in front of kids. I've done it too and always regretted it. I don't generally use cuss words anyways, and the worst you'll hear is "you're pissing me off". Anywho, I'm sure Lily is 99.999% well spoken :). It's not like you're teaching her these things like some parents seem to be, with the way they speak and talk.
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you and I promise Lily is well spoken, but I obviously let this one slip in frustration and totally blame myself on this one.
christyb says
Aww I think everyone gets caught up and sometimes says things later regretted… You certainly were an honest girl though! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Christy and I am so not a liar, so totally fessed up here.
cyndi says
Haha, I have no idea where I first learned the potty words, but I would go into a closet when I was four years old, say the F-word in a whisper and then run out in a frenzy to make sure no one – not even the boogey man heard me. 😀
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, too cute and totally picturing you at 4 years old doing this now 🙂
dishofdailylife says
They are little mimics, aren't they? One of my teenagers is kind of apologetic when I catch him at it, the other two less so. I would hear him cursing upstairs playing video games with his friends on the computer and I would yell up to watch what he was saying and I would get a "sorry, mom" and it would be cleaner for a while. And then of course the language comes back at some point. I get that they are going to say some words I do not want them to say, but I would like for them to know WHEN to keep it clean.
But what a cutie for not ratting you out! I'm not always the best either.
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Janine Huldie says
Michelle, thank you for telling me you are not the best either at this. I truly felt awful when it dawned on me that it it might very well have been me. I do know the teenage years will indeed be interesting and I probably will not be able to stop them completely. After all, I did curse a bit when I as younger, so I would be a complete hypocrite if I were to say anything otherwise, but still don't want her saying this now at such a young age in front of someone who doesn't quite get it.
Nellie says
LOL girl these kids sure do pick up EVERYTHING! Ugh. They are literally like brand new sponges that soak up every word and every expression. My five year old now says "SERIOUSLY?!" to me like every five minutes…he sure nuff got that one from me 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Nellie, you are so right and I am so waiting for the attitude to kick in now, as well and will so know that they got it from me, too!! 🙂
Rosey says
Good gravy but my grandfather cussed like a sailor, God rest his soul. I grew up hearing some pretty foul phrases on a regular basis. Crazy that he thought that was acceptable. I remember my grandma grouching at him every single time, even when I was grown. 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Mine too did that and my grandmother was always on him as well for this, but to be honest he was so much fun to be around that I loved him cursing and all! 🙂
day-with-kt.com says
HaHa, I love this because I'm the guilty one in our house!!
When Hunter was little I had to start watching myself. The day he said, "dad, you frickin' idiot" was not one of my prouder moments! I told Hunter that it wasn't appropriate for him or me and I needed to watch what I said. For years I did better, sadly, now that they are older I've fallen back into my old ways of using words that I shouldn't way more than I should!!!
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Janine Huldie says
I love it Kim and sorry, but the more stories like yours I hear today the less awful I feel that it was so me that Lily got this word from! 😉
tamaralikecamera says
I was so proud the day that Scarlet told me Des was being a "douche-bag", in the presence of Bev of Linkouture, no less. It was totally in context, though!
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Janine Huldie says
Oh man,why could I have not been there to meet you and here this!!! 🙂
gigigirl says
Oh how easy it is for those little "gems" to slip out when the Italian temper flares! I too am guilty of a few choice words …. and especially like Dom when another driver does a stupid thing on the road. No fool Lily…..she got it right! I guess all kids like to test the waters with the "bad" words. At least she didn't tattle on you. The girl's got class! Lots of laughs and lots of love…….xxxxoooo
Janine Huldie says
Aunt Gloria, you said a mouthful and she does totally have class, but then again she totally takes after our side of the family, lol!! 🙂 xoxo!
gigigirl says
That's for sure…..And I love that picture of you with Adele and Dom. Miss those guys. Getting apt. painted Sat. Wish me luck!
Janine Huldie says
Wish you tons of luck and will be thinking of you now!! Hugs 🙂 xoxo!!
gigigirl says
Thanks. Keep your eye out for a large envelope coming to you in the mail.
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you and will totally keep my eye out for it 🙂 xoxo!!
tikilon says
I am crying laughing. My youngest daughter's first word was "motherfucker" and I immediately knew who she got that one from. I do love your daughter's sense of loyalty and not snitching on you. LOL That's the thing with having girls, they will hold a secret as if their life depended on it. That does backfire when they become teens and conspire together. LOL
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Janine Huldie says
I am truly loving her loyalty and not rushing to the teens years for that and so much more now!! 🙂
stephrufa says
How could that sweet little girl say such a thing? Love your photo choice, she looks like an angel! I remember my first swear word and I blamed it on a classmate because I simply didn't know where I had heard it but my parents were looking for an answer. It was awful. I'll bet she learned her lesson.
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Janine Huldie says
Stephanie, I think she did and haven't heard that word again, but couldn't resist showing that angel face wight his story, because such a cutie, but oh what a mouth, lol!! 🙂
Alison says
Um, my oldest said shit for the first time when he was 3, and yes, he heard it from me 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Alison, thank you, thank you for telling me this and seriously just so happy deep down to know it isn't just me!! 🙂
Karen says
unfortunately Dino has learned a BUNCH of curses from me…ooops. I have to do a better job of watchign my mouth, but at least he only says that at home or in the car, in school he's good.
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Janine Huldie says
Karen, not going to lie that was my first thought if she tried to say this in school. And so far so good, so thanking god for small favors.
Katherines Corner says
Is it bad that I am giggling over here…xo
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Janine Huldie says
Not wrong at all and thanks for giggling instead of thinking that I might be awful for not being able to hold my tongue in front of my girls at times. Hugs xoxo 🙂
Leslie says
Oh the first bad word, haha. I don't have kids but I do have little cousins. I've learned to watch my mouth around them too. Haha. I remember beanie babies, I had like a thousand. Happy Tuesday!
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Janine Huldie says
Leslie, I had nieces and nephews, too before having my girls. I think I did better in front of them, because I didn't live with them, but at least hope I did. But seriously,like you I had too had my fair share in my younger years, too. Thanks for sharing and Happy Tuesday to you, too 🙂
flemily says
From one potty mouth to another, I say to you "don't sweat it." I too tried to scale back on the curse words in front of my kids, but it was sooo hard. What I've now discovered with 2 teens in the house, is that it almost doesn't matter because teens start cursing because their friends curse and so on. I lecture them all the time on not cursing, but it doesn't help too much. I'm hoping it's a phase and they'll eventually use curses much more sparingly. 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you Emily and nice to know that I am not the only foul, potty mouthed person. And you made me feel that much better about the teen years, too with your comment. Really appreciate that 🙂
elleseesyou says
that's hilarious! i've only cussed inf ront of my parents 3 times in my life. When I was three, I saw them fighting and told them "not to get pissy!" it worked! hehe
Janine Huldie says
I love that and could imagine that would totally work!! 🙂
jenkehl says
This is hysterical!! Sorry I haven't been around in a while. I was dealing with some health issues that were really stressing me out. Now that we're past all that I wanted to make sure I stopped by and said hello!
Well wasn't I surprised by this little snippet! Actually my mom just said Shit in front of Isaiah the other day, and then he turned to me and said "grandma said shit" I said, "no she didn't, you must have misheard" well he wasn't buying it, but I just kept saying "it doesn't matter, you know WE don't say that."
I never heard my mom swear until I was 18!! She's starting my boy early!
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Janine Huldie says
First off, I have missed you a ton and was hoping you were doing Ok. Just so glad to see you back and that your health issues are indeed behind you. As for your mom, I guess she is starting Isaiah early, but still love how he totally ratted her out and as you read here, I totally did the same to my grandfather!! 🙂
Brittnei Washington says
Aw! I always feel bad when a parent wants to stop slipping once they have kids. I can only imagine how hard that must be. I wonder if you will ever be able to ask her if she truly did hear it from you, you know? I'm amazed at how well these young girls are able to keep secrets. I was just reading about Scarlet keeping a secret over at Tamara's blog and now Lily. You ladies are raising some pretty amazing girls. Good for you Janine for doing your best not to slip. That's really all you can do. 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you so much Brittnei for saying that and believe me I try my best and again that is all you really can do.
cgacad says
i'll have to monitor myself as well, because i use curse words all the time. they're just part of my vocabulary!
Janine Huldie says
Same here Catherine and totally learned the hard way that I have to now be better at what I say in front of my girls.
warchildbosnia says
Oh wow! That's so funny and so cute! Love the story. And I love your blog (I haven't been here for a while, I was out of blogging for a while.)
Janine Huldie says
Totally glad to have you back and thank you for your kind words about this 🙂
pfchico says
Oh no, Janine. Lol! At 2 1/2 Mai has already come out with her first swear word, which was just half of this word. It is difficult to get mad at them when you know that they learned it from you.. Like you, I have been known to have a potty mouth. It came from years of working with old cranky line men. I try to curb it, but it does happen.
Janine Huldie says
Thank you for letting me know it isn’t just me and you are right I try my best, but still it is so hard.
the calibamamom says
Hee-hee! Guilty as charged here too 🙂 My precious little Beans may have uttered profanity a time or a few. Whoops!
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Janine Huldie says
Just glad it wasn't just me, because I got to say when it hit me that it was me, it was truly like a ton of bricks!
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says
I would never be able to deny that mine probably heard any swear word from me. Yup, I’m the culprit. It does make you think, though, and I have gotten much better since she’s around! 😀 You have to love that she used it in proper context, though, you know?
Janine says
I know totally got to give props for using in the proper context even at that young age – seriously! 😉