That only-in-private stuff was already on the way out when I was a kid-we only saw the no-bad-word politeness on TV-and by the time I was in my teens profanity was in the public square and movies along with sex, drugs and rock and roll-by the time my cub was watching TV, there was MTV-we had SAT TV etc, and hubby and I listened to uncensored rock music loud and didn’t hide it from the cub...
Kids have been seeing/hearing way worse than those profane words for a long, long time around here-there is no way to keep it from them in public or private, so there’s no point in trying-look how many parents were shocked all to hell to find out 1st hand what their kids were seeing/hearing when schools were closed and kids were remote learning on the computer-”not in front of the kids” hasn’t been what happens for decades-maybe it is different if you are living in a city, but not in an area with not many people like this...
“That only-in-private stuff was already on the way out when I was a kid”
What you say is true but for one thing it’s different when kids pass along their crudeness to each other, and another when our major entertainers put it out there.
On an individual basis there’s such a thing as adults being a good example to children.
I’m reminded of a poem by Edgar A. Guest:
“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear.
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear,
And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds.
For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you’let me see it done.
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true.
But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give.
But there’s mo misunderstanding how you act, and how you live. “
Corny, huh?