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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not like being called by forename by kids

395 replies

BreakingDad77 · 09/10/2024 14:36

I don't know but somehow it feels odd when sons friends year 6 age range calling me by my forename. I haven't said anything but part of me feels I would prefer Mr surname or "sons name - dad".

OP posts:
user1471453601 · 09/10/2024 14:50

@SimpleThings101 I'm never referred to by a Christian name, because I don't have one. I'm often referred to by my first name, though

LewishamMumNow · 09/10/2024 14:50

MereDintofPandiculation · 09/10/2024 14:48

When I was growing up it was Uncle/Auntie firstname. A few people still do that, not many. Mr/mrs is too formal.

I dislike this. You are not their Uncle/Auntie, unless you are.

ForPearlViper · 09/10/2024 14:50

Bansheed · 09/10/2024 14:45

It's a need for the recognition status, I think. Some people are like that, they like hierarchy. The poster who said teacher, military , that was a good call

Quite. Like always using Mrs on everything even when it is quite unnecessary.

When I was in my teens I had a Saturday job and sometimes worked alongside a woman I was quite happy to address as Helen. However, when I became good friends with her daughter I found it hard to continue to do that as she was now 'Polly's Mum' in my head! Bonkers.

Wellingtonspie · 09/10/2024 14:49

You don’t want someone to call you, by your legal name because they are under 18?

Even my child’s principal isn’t that uptight.

MereDintofPandiculation · 09/10/2024 14:48

When I was growing up it was Uncle/Auntie firstname. A few people still do that, not many. Mr/mrs is too formal.

MsMarch · 09/10/2024 14:48

To be called Ms March is old fashioned and I think it's pretty unusual for children to call their friends' parents Mr/Mrs these days. But I think the change is recent enough that it can feel a bit odd.

Weirdly, for me, it didn't bother me when the DC were younger but I am less comfortable with it now the DC are in high school. But I also suck it up - the world has moved on and changed and that's okay.

Bearpawk · 09/10/2024 14:47

Sorry I think you really need to get over yourself

Goodbyeoldname · 09/10/2024 14:46

Good afternoon Mrs Patterson (Kevin and perry)

CameronStrike · 09/10/2024 14:45

You want small children to call you Mr Whatever? Wow, I bet you're fun at parties

Bansheed · 09/10/2024 14:45

It's a need for the recognition status, I think. Some people are like that, they like hierarchy. The poster who said teacher, military , that was a good call

StayForever · 09/10/2024 14:44

Lol. It's your name. Weird af to want them to call you Mr followed by your surname.

Lots of children use 'child's name-dad' when they're very young and find it hard to remember your name, but once they get older, that's ridiculous too.

toomuchfaff · 09/10/2024 14:43

Is there some ingrained reason you feel people should address you a certain way?

Were you In the forces? Teacher? anything to do with the church?

Wondering why you feel the need to distinguish between how regular people might address you vs children. Why you feel you need to keep formality and distance.

LewishamMumNow · 09/10/2024 14:43

It's the 21st century! I called adults by their first name growing up in the 80s. I think you are very fuddy duddy.

JimberlyMcJimbleFace · 09/10/2024 14:42

Yes, I can understand if your forename is Balonz.

MorningSunDew76 · 09/10/2024 14:42

I couldn't get worked up about this. I love my daughters friends feeling comfortable enough to call me by name

SimpleThings101 · 09/10/2024 14:42

I’m with you, OP.

much prefer to be properly addressed rather than being called by my Christian name.

MadameRed · 09/10/2024 14:40

You want them to call you "Dylan's dad" in person?

DancingPhantomsOnTheTerrace · 09/10/2024 14:40

Personally doesn't bother me at all.

What does your son call his friend's parents?

Snugglemonkey · 09/10/2024 14:38

I think you are being unreasonable. It is your name.

Mrsmessyhairdontcare · 09/10/2024 14:38

Love the fact my sons/daughters feel comfortable to call me by my name, I hate hi (son's name) mum. I have a name and they can use that. And saying Mrs Surname is far to formal...