Foul-mouthed wife rubs off on junior

Dear Diane: My wife, “Sarah Jane,” and I are at an impasse. I have recently begun attending a local church in order to turn my life around. Sarah Jane refuses to go with me.

We are both in our mid-30s, and neither of us was raised in a religious household. We have a child, “Emily.” We call her our Miracle Baby, because for years we were unable to have a child.

Here’s the problem: Sarah Jane uses profanity around Emily. Sarah Jane curses around everyone. To be fair, so did I before finding God. Last week, Emily said her first word. It wasn’t “Mama” or “Daddy.” It was the F-word.

To say I was shocked is an understatement. That Sarah Jane found it funny added anger to my surprise. I told her I didn’t want her cursing in front of Emily ever again. She was not happy about my demand and has not stopped cursing.

Diane, I am beginning to consider divorcing Sarah Jane and taking Emily with me so she can be raised by a good, Christian woman. However, I love Sarah Jane and I do think Emily should be raised by her biological mother. What would solve everything is if Sarah Jane gave her life to Jesus, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon. What do I do? – Conflicted in Colorado

Dear Conflicted: Sarah Jane needs to understand that it isn’t cute or funny that her baby daughter swears. If this continues, when the little girl goes to preschool, she’ll be kicked out for swearing around other children. If Sarah Jane truly loves her Miracle Baby, she will make the effort to raise the girl properly. Emily’s future depends on it.

You and Sarah Jane also need to get marriage counseling. While you may prefer your pastor, I suggest the two of you see a licensed counselor who isn’t a member of your church. The point of the counseling is to save your marriage for the sake of Emily, not to convince Sarah Jane to convert to your religion. That is Sarah Jane’s choice, not yours – as you admitted yourself.

I wish you the best of luck.