As parents, how often have you exclaimed the words “Fudge!” or “Shitake mushrooms!” in front of your kids, instead of, well, you know: the “bad” words that these fluffy words are trying to cover up? God forbid we ever said a curse word in front of the little ones—that would just ruin them, right?

We learn when we’re younger that saying curse words are just straight up “bad.” We’d be told we have a “potty mouth” and those words should never leave our lips. As kids, you know the words are forbidden, and as parents, you’d be mortified if you ever heard them say a curse word in public (not to mention shove a bar of soap in their mouths).

Well, what if we told you that we’ve been doing it all wrong for all these years? That we shouldn’t forbid our kids from saying these words? That we actually should be teaching our kids to swear?

That’s according to Dr. Emma Byrne, a scientist in the field of artificial intelligence, who says swearing can actually help children understand language better. Additionally, using curse words is linked to a whole slew of benefits—from being more honest, to reduced anxiety, improved credibility, and even the ability to process and handle anger.

Before you swear this information off (no pun intended), I’d probably trust Dr. Byrne—she did write a book called Swearing is Good for You: The Amazing Science of Bad Language, and she wholeheartedly believes that we should completely change our thoughts on trying to hide swearing from kids.

“Swearing is part of children’s social development,” Emma Byrne explains. “Learning how to use swearing effectively, with the support of empathetic adults, is far better than trying to ban children from using such language.”

While Dr. Bryne certainly knows her sh—stuff, she’s not the only one studying this matter. A 2011 study by researchers at Keele University found that swearing might have the abilities to relieve pain.

In the study, volunteers submerged their hands into freezing cold ice water two times: Once swearing, and the other using a normal everyday word. It sounds crazy, but the ones who were swearing were able to keep their hands immersed in the water 50 percent longer than the others.

All right, so cursing is actually pretty beneficial. But does that mean we’re supposed to tell our kids that they can just drop F-bombs willy nilly? That it’s okay to tell off their teachers or elders? Of course not.

However, teaching them why people swear, and letting them know when it’s okay to curse and why it can help them develop these healthy habits and reap the benefits, can do wonders.

“Talking honestly about why people swear helps to demystify not just the words, but also the emotions of the people around them. You’re helping them develop that all-important theory of mind. Children need to learn how swearing affects others.”

To listen to Dr. Byrne in action talk about the benefits of swearing, check out the video below.

How often do you let out a good swear word? What do you think of Dr. Byrne’s views on cursing? Does this change your view on swearing, or teaching your kids to swear?