When kids swear, it often feels jarring, disrespectful, or even threatening. But swearing isn’t about defiance or being a bad kid- it’s a clue about the state of your child’s nervous system. Swearing might mean your child is overwhelmed, dysregulated, or struggling to find their real voice. 

Of course, understanding the behavior isn’t excusing the behavior. BUT! When we understand where the behavior is coming from, we get much better and more effective ideas about how to address it.

In this episode, we explore what’s really going on beneath the swearing, why it might be possible to consider that swearing isn’t inherently bad, and how parents can respond in ways that build regulation, connection, and felt safety.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your own reaction to swearing is the first thing to explore, and how to regulate through it
• What swearing might really be communicating, including pain, overwhelm, or a need for control
• How to scaffold emotional expression so your child learns to use their real voice instead of cussing
  
  
  

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

• • Regulated Does Not Equal Calm {EP 31}
  • Boundaries with Connection Part 1 of 3 {EP 111}
  • Boundaries With Verbal Aggression with Juliane Taylor Shore {EP 115}
  • How I've Strengthened my P

Teaching kids about their owl, watchdog, and possum brain is one key piece of growing their owl brain and calming their watchdog and possum brain!

Register for this once-a-year webinar on September 4, 2025 at RobynGobbel.com/TeachKidsTheBrain

You'll get access to the recording and OODLES of resources.

Club Members- you do NOT have to register!!!

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Check Out All Robyn's Free Resources!
You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!

RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources

Applications for the 2026 cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program are now open! You MUST be on the waiting list to apply! Get on the waiting list at RobynGobbel.com/immersion

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Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/book

Join us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClub

Apply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/Immersion

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Over on my website you can find:
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