Ask Linda Anything!

When Our Kids Curse, Don't We Lose Respect!
Submitted By Anonymous

I found my 14 year old son’s band site on MYSPACE last night and checked it out for the first time. For the most part, I thought it was pretty cool and their music was really amazing until I listened to the third track. Did I hear the “F” word in that song? I listened again while my 17 year old daughter sat next to me with a “What’s mom gonna do now?” grin planted on her face. It was sutble but the lead singer cursed in the song.

We had a lengthy discussion with all the kids at dinner that night about respect verses teenage rebellion. Somehow the bands we used to listen to 20 years ago seemed to become famous without cursing in their songs.

I HATE that so many rap bands, punk bands, rock bands curse all the time in their lyrics and our kids emulate them for that. Wouldn't it be great if someone like Eminen who is so talented, didn't curse in his songs?

My fourteen year old was cool about correcting the issue rather than me breaking up the band because I would do it. But, I got a ton of pushing back from our 18 year old about freedom of speech. We expressed to all of them that as long as they are living in our family house and we are supporting them, their freedoms are limited.

But most importantly, when they are out there living their lives and we can't see them, they represent our family and the values we tried to instill in them. And, if they love our family the way they say they do, than they should represent! Don’t you think?


Click here for your comments or advice on this! | View Comments