AIBU calling my children "kids" ?

[NotTheCoolMum]

Just that really. My dad says kids and my mum says children. I say "kids". It's more informal and I prefer it to "children" which just sounds horribly formal.

However I've noticed on MN people often get annoyed by the use of the word "kids". Please tell me why? Are all my friends secretly judging me?

I think most people have better things to worry about than whether someone uses the word kids or children. Are you sure you don't feel a bit sensitive about this and are projecting?

Personally I loathe it. I did not give birth to baby goats. but each to their own.

I prefer miniature beasts of burden. but each to their own

People actually get annoyed about the use of the word "kid"?
Sometimes I say kids, sometimes I say children depending on who I'm speaking to.
The doctor's receptionist I'd say: "Please can I book an appointment for one of my children".
A friend I'd say: "Just taking the kids to school"

So long as you're not calling them 'little cunts' to their faces I reckon it doesn't matter.

"Kids" is definitely acceptable.

To the person who claims not to have given birth to baby goats - for what it's worth, I believe you, but words are sometimes capable of having more than one meaning. "Kids" is commonly accepted as an alternative for "children" and I doubt many people would misunderstand you if, for example, they heard you talking about "your kids being a bunch of animals"!

I don't much like the word so don't use it, but don't care/judge if anyone else does.

I don't have a problem with 'kids', in fact I think it's just a mumsnet issue as I've never heard of people in real life finding it annoying.

I prefer bottomless pitts of neediness... but see no problem with kids ;-)

I tend to use 'children' in certain social situations and 'kids' in others! I don't really know why...neither bother me. Maybe it's just one sounds a bit more formal than the other. A bit like 'mum' and Mother'.

On here when I read or write 'dc' I hear 'kids' because that's the word I use if I'm talking/writing informally about my children.

I say kids. my dad objects, but tough tits really.

there's lots of judgy pants on mn though, I say kids too, least I don't say brats.

I call mine kids. Unless I'm talking to them, in which case it's kids or babies, or devilspawn, or sprogs, or guys, or fruit of my loins.... but to other people it's usually kids.

I say kids. I also say children. No particular reason as to why I chop and change.

Mumsnet flipped out at me for using "hubby" on one post.. but I've grown up with my Auntie using it so it isn't hideous to me.

I say kids. If my grandmother was alive she would not be happy with me at all.

I have never in all my years on MN seen anyone complain about the use of the word kids (until this thread!)

Are people judging you? No, they are not. Kids is perfectly standard usage.

Hmm as I thought. Some people really don't like it!

Oh well at least I'm not on my own

We were given an appropriate language. Use it. Slang is slipshod.

Once they get to be teenagers you can't really call them children. You can't call "Teens come here now" so what else can you call them?

I was watching Fearne Cotton on Who do you think you are , and she called her children " guys" and then said to her mum and dad " hello guys". I thought it sounded really sad as though she was using her generic show business terminology for the people closest in her life . Perhaps the use of " kids" is more homely .

I call mine kids and I am dead posh.

Kids.

The children are for the nannies. lol.