How old is too old to call parents mummy and daddy

[suchafuss]

My DD9 had just spent a few days with her GPs. When she got back she was upset as she had overheard them saying that she was too old to still call us mummy and daddy. She calls us mum and dad at school and to her friends and I like that she still wants to call us this. AIBU to think its none of anyones business and there is nothing wrong with this?

1. it's none of their business

2. honestly, it's up to your DD. She can call you whatever she likes and feels most comfortable with, regardless of age (surely GP know that?)

3. I still call my dad "daddy" occasionally and I'm 24. It's not all the time but I do.

4. I'm a bit sensitive to GP over involvement right now so sorry if I'm not being very lenient

cariboo I really think it is, though. There's a certain subset of vaguely aristocratic/upper middle class types for whom it's the norm. Even Prince Charles calls the Queen "Mummy". Obviously, other people from that background realise it's a signifier so choose not to use it. There are lots of things like this - it's just that with "mummy", it sounds a bit odd to many people if it's coming from an adult rather than a primary school aged child.

I will always be mummy. It's the law.

The only adults I know who say "mummy and daddy" are posh or aspiring to be posh. That said, there's a difference between calling your parent "mummy" or "daddy" to their face (normal and fine IMO) and referring them to it. I occasionally lovingly say mummy to her face but I know adults who will say they are going to visit mummy and daddy which I think is wanky and weird.

"What do they want her to call you? First names? Mater and Pater? The Old Folk? Ach, they're barkin'."

Why do you need to go to such ludicrous extremes with those suggestions when the obvious answer is 'Mum' and 'Dad'?