Letters written, not sent

Dear [Wonderful] School After Care workers,

Sophie brings to my attention that she was recently disciplined for using the words crap and hell. I object on the grounds that these are not, as you claim, swear words. They are not, for example, included in George Carlin's list of words you cannot say on television (for your reference: shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cock sucker, mother fucker, and tits). And if they're good enough for television, they're good enough for your program. Kidding.

But seriously, whereas these words may not constitute refined language, you are not running a charm school. I've worked hard to teach Sophie to use her mouth, not her fists, to express her feelings. And whereas I would not expect you to permit words used to hurt another (e.g., "Go to hell, Oliver!"), I think using certain words as expletives is fine (e.g., "Oh, hell," which is, I think you would agree, preferable to "Oh, fuck" and infinitely more satisfying than "Oh, sugar"). 

I would therefore like you to reconsider your policy in this area. Perhaps a list of words forbidden under any circumstances and another list of words forbidden  only in certain circumstances.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

Cindy

Mom of Sophie

Dear Sophie,

The After Care Program at school brings to my attention the fact that I am not in charge of the After Care Program. I do not, therefore, determine the rules for the program. Because it is their program. Not mine. And so they make the rules. They are happy to have my feedback but remind me that I should pick my battles wisely. 

So I think we should go along with the After Care language rules. That is not to say to you should not question whether a rule is right or wrong and whether it makes sense or not. As long as you keep thinking, you're a winner to me. 

And don't worry—we can still use all the other words when we are in the car. 

Love,

Mama