to be embarrassed that my mum refers to herself as mummy but I can't bring myself to call her that

[farthingwood]

My mum and her side of the family is very posh, my dad bought us up so I didn't live with her growing up.
I grew up on a council estate and went to a rough state school so I always felt embarrassed at the fact my mum wanted us to call her mummy, I started calling my dad, dad when I was about 16.
When I write to her I write dear mum but she signs letters off from mummy and it makes me shudder.
AIBU to find this all really awkward (I'm 29!)

It's not an age thing; it's just whatever you feel comfortable with.

I'm 37 and call my parents Mummy and Daddy when talking/writing to them but Mum and Dad when I'm talking about them with others.
My DB, aged 35, calls them Mum and Dad and a variety of affectionate nicknames.

Do you have a nice nickname you could call her instead?

YRB a little U. My 56 yr old SIL still refers to and calls her father (living) and mother (deceased) Daddy and Mummy. I think it's a bit OTT, but that's what she wants. She is still very much the "baby" of the family, wants to be taken care of, etc. Her choice. But when she talks in baby voice, too ... My blood boils! Irritating!

My mother is Mum when I'm talking to her, or Mamelia if I'm being silly - but I can't help it, she's Mam if I'm talking to someone else. She hates being called Mam with an unbridled passion but you can take the girl out of the North, etc..

to my kids we are mom and dad.

to my cats I am mummy and dh is daddy.

Have you talked to her about how it makes you feel?

Fwiw I call them by their names.

I wonder if it is less to do with the name being childish or whatever but the fact that "mummy" indicates a closer relationship than you have with her.

She had money and a posh family, but you had a far less priviledged life and yet she still expects you to refer to her as she does her parents. Why would you then that isnt, and has never been, normal for you?

I think it is because her expectations dont meet your reality. In your shoes I think I would shudder too, and I call my father Daddy while he calls me Princess!

I am 40 btw!

arggh typos! Sorry

I think I'd be shuddering too! I would be embarrassed by 'Mummy' - it sounds massively posh to me for a grown woman to use.

My mother is 'Ma' to myself and my siblings (which she thinks is common and would prefer simply 'Mum'.

It's generally 'Mam' round here - but for some reason my DCs called me 'Mama' when really little, which struck me as very posh and fairly funny. Fortunately they outgrew it by the age of about 5!

I would just continue to call her Mum and just accept it and let it wash over you.

Call her whatever you feel comfy with.

Calling your parents 'mummy and daddy' to their face if they like it and you don't mind and it's what they prefer is fine by me.

Referring to them as 'mummy and daddy' when they're not present and you're talking to others about them is major cringe worthy as an adult IMO. You're not a child anymore!

Interesting distinction between face to face and when referring to them.
Yes bogey I think that's true, it seems from mummy like I have this strong affection but that's not the reality, I do love her a lot but Im in no way compelled to call her mummy!