Millennial Mom Defends Viral Video of 3-Year-Old ‘Swearing’

A Mother’s Playful Defense Against Online Critics

A mother from New South Wales, Australia, has found herself at the center of a heated online debate after posting a lighthearted TikTok video featuring her three-year-old daughter. Allissa Evans, a mom of three, shared a 12-second clip where she and her daughter mimed along to a popular song, incorporating a playful skit that poked fun at critics who accuse her of swearing around her children. The video, set to GloRilla’s track "bad bih 4 ya," quickly went viral, sparking both amusement and outrage. While many found the video harmless and funny, others condemned Evans for what they perceived as inappropriate behavior, branding her a "bad parent." Evans, however, remains unapologetic, insisting the video was simply a playful moment meant to entertain.

The Viral Video and Its Backlash

The video shows Evans cradling her young daughter while they both lip-sync to the song. At one point, the toddler mimes an expletive, perfectly timed to the music, creating the illusion that she is swearing. The clip was captioned with a critique seemingly aimed at Evans’ parenting style, reading, "You need to stop swearing around the kids." Evans explained that the video was inspired by a trending TikTok sound and was never meant to be taken seriously. "It’s just a trending sound that’s going around on TikTok, and people have been doing similar things with either other adults or kids," she said. "I just decided to give it a go with my daughter, and she just happened to time it perfectly. I think it’s just popular because it’s a trending sound, and the unexpected perfect timing of a child doing it is hilarious," she added.

Despite her intent, the video sparked a wave of negative reactions. Some viewers accused Evans of setting a bad example for her children, with one commenter writing, "As a teacher, you make our jobs so much harder," and another stating, "This is so wrong." Others labeled her a "bad parent," suggesting that her actions could harm her children. However, not everyone was critical. Many defended Evans, arguing that the video was harmless and showcased her sense of humor. One supporter wrote, "Parents who don’t allow swearing around their kids have kids that swear the most," while another added, "Everyone’s getting pressed. She has a wicked sense of humor."

A Mother’s Perspective on Parenting and Context

Evans has been surprised by the video’s viral success, which has garnered over 2 million views and nearly 1,200 comments. While she acknowledges the backlash, she remains unfazed. "Honestly, the hate is expected with a video getting so many views and attention," she said. "There are always going to be different opinions and views on things, so it’s expected to get some hate or negative comments. I just take it as a grain of salt." Evans also had a message for her critics: "Lighten up." She emphasized that the video was meant to be fun and harmless, stating, "No harm was done by creating this video. The people online mum-shaming and judging are the only ones that could possibly do any harm. It’s just lucky I’m not one to worry about the comments."

Evans believes that context is key when it comes to swearing around children. She argued that casual swearing, such as singing along to a song, is not harmful and does not negatively impact a child’s well-being. "I don’t think swearing around them is the issue; I think it’s the way it is used," she said. "If it were to be used in a harmful or abusive way, then there is an issue with swearing. But I believe just casually swearing, such as singing along to a song, has no harm and doesn’t impact their well-being."

The Science Behind Swearing and Its Impact on Children

Evans’ stance on swearing is supported by some experts. Cognitive scientist Benjamin Bergen, author of What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves, has argued that exposure to ordinary profanity does not cause direct harm to children. In a 2016 article for the LA Times, Bergen stated that there is no evidence that swearing leads to increased aggression, stunted vocabulary, or numbed emotions in children. While not everyone may agree with Evans’ perspective, her argument highlights the importance of context and intent when evaluating the impact of language on children.

The Broader Debate and the Power of Social Media

The controversy surrounding Evans’ video reflects a broader debate about parenting styles and the role of social media in amplifying opinions. Evans’ video has become a lightning rod for discussions about what constitutes good parenting, the appropriateness of humor involving children, and the potential consequences of online criticism. While some viewers found the video hilarious and harmless, others saw it as a reflection of a larger issue with modern parenting.

Ultimately, Evans hopes that the video can inspire positive conversations and bring joy to those who watch it. "It was all a bit of fun, and if it helps to change opinions for the better or even just bring a bit of a laugh for someone, then I’m all for that," she said. Whether or not one agrees with her approach, Evans’ story underscores the challenges of parenting in the digital age, where every decision can be scrutinized and judged by a global audience.