New parenting trend: Letting children unleash obscenities on TikTok

"Bathroom confessions" is the recent trend sweeping across the TikTok platform. Parents are urging their children to voice out all the curse words bottled up in their minds. This activity doubles as a therapeutic exercise, aiding children to let go of any swear words picked up from adults or peers.

Every parent believes they know what's best for their child. However, some methods might come as a surprise. One specific approach is granting children permission to swear, which then gets recorded and published online. What purpose does this serve? A considerable number of parents are now participating in this trend. The trend involves taking the child to the bathroom and encouraging them to release all swear words that come to mind. Through this practice, children can purge themselves of indecencies and subsequently wash their mouths with water, symbolically ridding themselves of the profanities.

The parents’ responses to their children’s confessions are notably varied. Whilst many are taken aback, others react with humour or by shaking their heads. Several mothers find it hard to believe that their innocent little ones are familiar with so many offensive phrases, which really shouldn't be part of the vocabulary of such young children. Realistically, these words didn't materialise out of nowhere, with children only reiterating what they've previously listened to.

The reactions of other parents commenting on these videos range considerably. Some commend the parents for addressing swearing so candidly and allowing their children to use expletives under their supervision. However, there are also many adults who object to this parenting technique and are shocked that any parent would adopt such a method, labeling it as “alternative parenting.”

Everyone holds their own viewpoint, but it must be acknowledged that expletives have always been and will continue to be a part of society. Even if we do not use them ourselves, it doesn't mean they aren't present in our surroundings. Often, children do not understand the implications of these words and use them arbitrarily, particularly when they're feeling apprehensive or experiencing an influx of emotions. It's essential to clarify the implications of uttering such words to a child and why they are deemed inappropriate. Parenting involves not just joyous moments, but also challenging discussions, learning experiences, and forgiveness. This approach lays the foundation for a durable and sturdy relationship with the child.