Is it harmful to public health to use the word “son” or “daughter?” The Vermont Department of Health has asked the general public to stop using gendered words like “son” and “daughter” when referring to children. Their announcement speaks for itself: “The language we use matters! … When talking about family, it’s important to use terms that cover the many versions of what family can look like.” Of course, the language we use certainly does matter, but the proposed change is ridiculous. The words “son” and “daughter” have a specific meaning rooted in biology and sociology. Using more nebulous terms doesn’t help anyone. Rather it confuses and hurts human beings made in God’s image as male and female. And neither is a gendered offense.