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AIBU?

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Original poster

Should I correct him?

13 replies

Littlelegs991 · 05/10/2019 20:48

Posting here for traffic

My partner has a 2 year old son, lovely little boy and we have a close bond.

He knows what my name is but he also calls me big boy. This has stemmed from me calling him a big boy - For intstance I would say ‘where’s the big boy?’ And he would go to the mirror and point to himself which is pretty darn cute if you ask me.

He then started coming into the kitchen when I was washing up and said ‘big boy’ and handed me his cup or something. My partner said he thinks your name is big boy but I didn’t think he did as I interpreted as ‘I’m a big boy for finishing my drink/whatever it was he was giving me’

Fast forward to last week, we FaceTimed him and he said hi daddy to his dad and when I came on camera he said hi big boy.

He knows my name as if you ask him where I am he will come and find me and he can say my name. Should I be correcting him and get him out of the habit of calling me big boy? I don’t mind it personally but my partner doesn’t like it for one reason or another. He did go through a phase of calling me mommy but I always corrected him as it is definitely a boundary I would never cross (we are on really good terms with the little boys mum for context). He can speak well for his age (just under 2) I can’t hold w conversation with him but he say robot is sleeping or no want to go sleep for an example.

I’m kind of inclined to let him carry on with the name because it’s causing no harm or upset to anyone and it’s kind of our thing but do I need to correct him and get him into the habit of calling me by my name so it’s less confusion for him and also because his dad doesn’t like it?

OP posts:
LenoVintura · 05/10/2019 20:51

He doesn't think your name is Big Boy, he's making a connection with you which is really sweet - it's his pet name for you. Maybe your DP will accept it if you can persuade him that this is what's happening? Tricky.

Aquamarine1029 · 05/10/2019 20:54

I think it's adorable and it won't last for long. He still a baby after all.

Bourbonbiccy · 05/10/2019 21:02

Hmmm I sound like a kill joy but i would probably correct him when he calls you it.

When he give you a cup and says big boy, "yes you are a big boy for finishing your drink, shall littlelegs get you another one"

In the mirror looking at himself he says big boy, "yes, littlelegs can see what a big boy you are in the mirror"

But I'm probably just being a killjoy as I say.

Original poster
Littlelegs991 · 05/10/2019 21:06

@Bourbonbiccy ha ha are you my partner? No not at all a kill joy, I have posted so expecting mixed reviews but thanks for your honesty! I will need to correct him at some stage and his dad corrects him now sometimes but guess it’s going to be a team effort to get him calling me by my name all the time

OP posts:
ElfCakes · 05/10/2019 21:18

My DS age 2 (just) has been calling someone we know well "Hiya" for months. He knows the real name but it's their little thing and its cute! It started very organically just though the way they greeted each other. I see no harm in having a funny little nickname and like pp said, it's building a special connection

Dollymixture22 · 05/10/2019 21:19

He will grow out of it very fast, I wouldn’t worry. It’s very cute.

My nephew had an adorable nick name for me When he was around two - lasted about six months. He’s eleven now and occasionally I try to get him To call me it, but apparently I am soooo annoying😩.

Quartz2208 · 05/10/2019 21:23

yes it cute but I agree a correction like bourbonbiccy suggests where you arent saying he is wrong but reaffirming it as his nickname and your name makes sense

2toe · 05/10/2019 21:36

A friends child called me “Not David” for about a year, David (obviously not real name, was my husband), he knew my name, I think “David” was just more important to him Grin, I still laugh when I think about it.
I never corrected him, it was just his way, he grew out of it.

Icantthinkofanewname87 · 06/10/2019 08:14

This made me laugh so much I actually cried and then tried to read it to my husband and couldn’t finish reading it because I was laughing so much and then he started laughing too and we just sat there crying with laughter. Grin

Beebeezed · 06/10/2019 08:39

Awwww it’s cute! He knows your name but he’s linking an experience to what he calls you. What’s your partners issue with it? Do you know how his mum feels? I’d be tempted to let it continue as it’s so cute!

tabulahrasa · 06/10/2019 08:47

Why would your partner object? It’s cute and he'll grow out of it soon enough...

Original poster
Littlelegs991 · 06/10/2019 10:10

He just wants him to call me by my name and not big boy lol don’t think his mom minds to be honest.

OP posts:
Buyitinbamboo · 06/10/2019 11:49

I was going to say he will grow out of it but I started calling my uncle a similar type of name when I was 2 and I still call him it now and I'm 27!

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