EP 232: Swearing- What it Means and How to Respond
EP 232: Swearing- What it Means and How to Respond  
Podcast: The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}
Published On: Tue Aug 05 2025
Description: 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 itWhat swearing might really be communicating, including pain, overwhelm, or a need for controlHow 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 Psychological Boundaries {EP 117}Match The Energy, NOT the Dysregulation {EP 155}Read the full transcript at:RobynGobbel.com/swearingLet's hang out this summer at two different trainings for professionals!Therapy with Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors- June 1 & 2 in Syracuse, NY RobynGobbel.com/NYPresence in Practice- July 15, 16, & 17 in Rockford, MI (outside Grand Rapids) RobynGobbel.com/Michigan2026 Get access to over 25+ free resources in our brand, new Free Resource Hub! RobynGobbel.com/FreeResourceHub :::Grab a copy of USA Today Best Selling book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubSign up on the waiting list for the 2027 Cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Immersion Program for Professionals robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagramOver on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)