Cursing Around the Little One

Sometimes, I can't help it. I really try, but I slip. I drop something or I smash my foot (because I'm a horrible clutz), and I let out "shit!" or "damn it!" or whatever else I shouldn't be saying in front of a little girl that is quickly learning all the words in my vocabulary. My wife is a teacher; she has run into the occasional student who curses like a sailor. What kid doesn't imitate their parents? They don't know any better. I would feel ashamed of myself if my daughter ever was that way. I know it doesn't matter to some people, but it matters to me.

I think the trick is not cursing ever. Not just when she's in the room, but all the time. Maybe I should get a swear jar or something. Do those help? Every time I curse, I plunk a quarter in the jar. Eventually, I should learn not to do it, right? Old habits die hard, so I'm really going to have to be conscious of this all the time.

D.