Somewhere along the line, Chris and I decided not to be the kind of parents that constantly call each other "Mommy" and "Daddy" in front of the kids. It wasn't a conscious decision, really. Just somewhat of a necessity for us.
Because while most people can refer to each other one way during the daytime hours, and another way in the evening....say....when the kids are at Grandma's and the restaurant has romantic lighting....Chris and I seem to be among the few that can't.
Nothing kills date night faster than a poorly timed "Kiss me, Daddy."
Of course, I still refer to myself as Mommy in front of the kids.
In the third person.
Habitually.
Seriously, I couldn't stop if my life depended on it.
But for a while now I've been calling my husband by his given name around the kids, and vice versa. Which has caused a minor head trip for Luke.
"You call Daddy 'Chris'?"
"Yes, Baby."
*pondering*
"Daddy call you 'Steph'?"
“Yes, Baby.”
*eyes crossing*
"You call Grandma 'Mom'?"
"Yes, Baby."
*ears steaming*
"You call Grandpa..."
"Yes, Baby."
Before Luke started getting confused by all these different labels, I hadn't really considered how complicated it must seem to him. My mother is "Mom" to me, "Jennifer" to Chris and my dad, and "Grandma" to Luke and Evie. And in a family get-together, the kids will hear every single version used!
I'm no exception; answering to "Mommy", "Steph", "Aunt Stephie", and even "Hey, jerk!" interchangeably. And that's not even counting all the pet-names like Sweetie, Baby, Honey, Poopsie, Schnookums, and (my favorite) Snuggle Puff!
So I try to be understanding when both of my children imitate my husband and I by using our first names....though they're usually screaming "Chris!!" in an annoyed, nasally voice for some unknown reason.
*awkward silence**uncomfortable cough*
Anyhow, saying our names around the house is one thing, but my kids take it to the streets. They've learned quickly that calling me by my given name in public is sure to get a response. As a result, the good patrons at our local Walmart have (at various times) believed me to be the mother, aunt, casual friend, and/or distant relative of my own children, depending on which of my numerous titles the little stinkers darlings choose to use that day.
I've tried ignoring them until they use my correct title, but we all know how that sort of thing usually goes.
Never underestimate the tenacity and mental fortitude of a stubborn preschooler.
Or, as Confucius says: "He who stand off with child in Walmart, come home with no grocery."
Oh well. Guess I'll just write this one off as Hopeless Battle #342 and stick with my usual mantra:
"Maybe it's just a phase."
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