Front door Quote by Anne Lamott
““My son, Sam, at three and a half, had these keys to a set of plastic handcuffs, and one morning he intentionally locked himself out of the house. I was sitting on the couch reading the newspaper when I heard him stick his plastic keys into the doorknob and try to open the door. Then I heard him say, "Oh, shit." My whole face widened, like the guy in Edvard Munch's Scream . After a moment I got up and opened the front door. "Honey," I said, "what'd you just say?" "I said, 'Oh, shit,'" he said. "But, honey, that's a naughty word. Both of us have absolutely got to stop using it. Okay?" He hung his head for a moment, nodded, and said, "Okay, Mom." Then he leaned forward and said confidentially, "But I'll tell you why I said 'shit.'" I said Okay, and he said, "Because of the fucking keys!””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Little Things” in The Art of Memoir, 2005
A child’s accidental profanity reveals how language, embarrassment, and parental guidance intersect.
In simple terms: Kids learn about words and consequences.
Key Takeaway
Teach mindful language.
Themes
family
communication
language
Mood
empathetic
lighthearted
Type
advice
humorous
When to use this quote
- home
- parent‑child conversations
- teaching moments
Key Concepts
social learning
parenting
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you address accidental swearing?
- What alternatives teach respect?
A Different Perspective
Children may mimic profanity despite guidance.
