Way back...

When I was in grade two, I was sent home from school for swearing.
My teacher called my mom and told her that she was really worried "because at recess that day, Amanda had called another student a swear word" (it was actually two). My mom asked what I had said and the teacher told her.
I guess the reason it was such a big deal was that young kids didn't used to swear that much or something. Now, I am guessing it's a different story but back then (around '83) kids didn't swear like truckers.
My mom was actually more amused about my teachers' reaction than my actual swearing. She thought it was really funny that this was something people worried about.
But, when I came home from school I knew that I was probably going to be in trouble. I had already been punished at school - I had to write lines for homework saying that swearing is wrong.
My mom was waiting for me of course, but instead of being angry she was very understanding. She asked me what had happened and why I had called another student a name. I told her that this girl at school was always annoying me - and sometimes on purpose.
I told my mom how that day, the girl had been teasing me and trying to get me angry, so while I was chasing her around the schoolyard trying to get her to shut up, I yelled out "you're a fuckin bitch!"

I remember how good it had felt to let all that frustration out. I had disliked this girl for a long time, but had been keeping it to myself. It felt so good to let everyone know how I really felt about her. I think I probably looked proud as the teacher dragged me into the classroom.

My mom seemed to understand because she just hugged me and told me that next time I should try to hold back and if I have to say something, it shouldn't be a swear word.
But I knew that she didn't really care about swear words. They were just words and she was more concerned about my frustrations with this girl.
She told me not to take to heart what everyone says. She told me I should let this girl be silly and it didn't have to affect me.
I think was one of the first times I knew my parents were different than everyone else's.

I guess their record collection could have tipped me off too - The Go-Go's, Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Adam Ant...

My parents were a LOT younger than my friend's parents.
I am so grateful for that, otherwise I would probably have shitty taste in music and no capacity for swearing like a drunken sailor.
Two of my very best qualities I think.