When the warmer weather arrives, people's windows are open more often, and it is surprising how frequently one will hear parents in Auburn using incredibly foul language when they speak to their children.

It is unfortunate because the foul words serve no real purpose - the tone of voice is more important in correcting a child's behavior. Worst of all, this kind of “correction” trains a child at a very young age to lack self-control, “swear like a sailor” and verbally abuse others. There is absolutely no area of life in which your child will benefit or succeed because he/she has been taught to swear habitually. In fact, your child will be marked socially as “a kid who comes from a bad family.”

When I am walking around Auburn, I hear quite a few parents swearing at their children.

Yes, many adults let out a swear now and then when they are angry - most adults can deal with that - but it is not fair to our children to subject them to an environment of habitual foul language.

Some people who swear in front of children constantly identify themselves as “Christians.” If they put no effort into cleaning up habitual bad language in their own homes, is this because they think what they are doing is OK with God, or do they just view Jesus as a doormat they can wipe their sins on?

Lisa M. Backus

Auburn