Grandparents

[CandyFloss31]

So I am pregnant (first child) and my ILs want to be known as Mama and Papa. For context, these are the names their other grandchildren call them. DH and I really don’t like it though. It feels way too much like Mum and Dad to us. Would we be unreasonable to suggest they use different names for our children??

Seems to be grandparents and children end up choosing this, not the parents. I wouldn't interfere; let this be something they choose and the children will probably adapt it anyway. My in-laws ended up being called funny versions of the names they chose anyway. I don't think it's a big deal and in terms of battles you may have to pick with grandparents, I'd let them have this one.

We have this with in-laws with mil used to being called mama. I’ve sucked it up because it would be more hassle than it’s worth to change it as it started a long time before we had a kid plus it’s not that unusual, I called my own grandmother a very old fashioned word for mum (which tbf doesn’t sound anything like mama)

I do wonder why exactly so many grandparents want to be called mama and papa unless these are actual culture specific names for them. It’s slightly odd to me. I wonder if its the paternal side who are more likely to do this (thats what I’ve found to be more likely). Theres gotta be some psychology stuff going on here given its a blatant hi-jacking of a name which denotes a very specific relationship.

Also in Nottingham most granny's are mamas. If all the other kids are calling them that then it'll be hard.

Opi and Oma are quite sweet (German) Tell them that’s what you’re going to teach them (insert alternative here), as you will be Mama and DH will be Papa to your own DC’s...