The Power of Cussing

Do you remember that scene in “A Christmas Story” where Ralphie helps his dad change the flat tire? Remember how that scene ends? Yep. With an f-bomb and a bar of soap.

Until just a few days ago, I saw myself from Ralphie’s perspective. I remember what it was like to discover the power of cussing. And I remember vividly the first time I heard the f-bomb. I was in the 2nd grade.

My friend Trey told a joke about the good side and the bad side of the hill (yes, I still remember the joke). We laughed so hard that the teacher in the cafeteria finally came over to find out what was so funny. It was very much my Ralphie moment. I hadn’t actually said the word myself. Not then at least. But I got my first lesson in guilt by association. The teacher didn’t call my parents. And if they’re reading this, this is most likely the first time they’ve ever heard this story.

The point is that I remember the power of discovering a forbidden word. And I used it. Often. Loudly. Proudly. I don’t remember ever getting caught. But I definitely know it was part of my verbal arsenal.

Now, I look at things from a completely different angle, because I’m no longer Ralphie. I’m Ralphie’s dad. And sadly, real life isn’t as funny as the movies.

Jackson has recently learned the power of the f-bomb…and the repercussions it brings. Who knows when he actually learned it for the first time? But in the past 96 hours, he’s dropped it twice (that we know of). The first time, he was at a friend’s. There was an … incident. But he came home and fessed up. Said he lost his temper and it just came out.

In that moment, I was so proud of his honesty and could tell he was truly sorry. Because I want him to feel comfortable coming to me in the future, I told him I was disappointed in his actions, but proud that he had the guts to be honest. No punishment.

Yesterday, he dropped the bomb at school. I know because the principal called my wife, who called me. Grace period? Over. Creative discipline begins. And soap? Pfff. That’s child’s play. The list of consequences* on this one is long and distinguished.

It’s not about the power of a forbidden word. This is an opportunity to teach Jackson about the power of choosing your words carefully.


* The list of consequences:

• Call and apologize to the kids he cussed out, and to their parents.
• Write a letter of apology to the principal and the teacher.
• Miss the lock-in at church.
• Call the Pastor to explain why he missed the lock-in.
• No screens (t.v., DS, Wii) for a week.
• No friends over for a week.
• No going to friends’ houses for a week.
• No more riding the bus home from school.
• No more riding bikes with the kid he learned the word from.