I found myself in the midst of a discussion of belief systems and values the other days as a group of us discussed whether or not kids should call their parents and/or grandparents by their first names, whether “mom,” “mama” or “mommy” is best, and all sorts of versions on what are and are not appropriate monikers to exchange between parents and children. It seemed like the perfect sort of conversation to extend to all of us here…
Some people have really strong feelings about whether children should or shouldn’t be able to call their parents by their first names. I know a few people who have grown up with that mentality and cannot even imagine calling them “mom” or “dad.” I always thought when I was starting out on the road with parenting that I would adjust regardless. I wasn’t going to “force” convention on my kids and if one of them wanted to call me by my first name I was not going to be shocked by it. Perhaps this is why none of them has ever really called me anything but mom, mama, or mothers. Although they have used my first name when we have been in big, bustling crowds—assuming that if they called out “Mom”—twelve thousand women would turn their heads.
I have already decided that when/if I am a grandmother—I don’t want to be called grandma. I don’t know how I would feel if my grandchildren called me by my first name—I think I’d rather they called me something fun like Granny or even something more made-up and personal.
I suppose since I was born of baby boomer parents and came of age during the seventies and eighties, I don’t think that first names are disrespectful—especially if the adult has requested that the child call them by their given name. I think it is all very personal and truly a reflection of one’s belief system. But, I do think it is interesting to hear other people’s ideas on this one—what do you think? Traditional parent and grandparent names? Fun and made-up grandparent names? Or given names?
Also: Is it Okay for Kids to Call Their Parents By Their First Name?