To refuse to babysit my DD’s baby if she insists on naming him Wolfie??

[Jubillude]

Posting for traffic.

My DD (26) has just had her first baby boy. Lovely healthy little thing, I’m thrilled to be a grandma at last. I was over the moon when she asked if I’d help out with childcare now and then once she’s back at work. Of course I said yes, that’s what families do.

But then today she dropped the bombshell of what she’s naming him. Are you ready for this? Wolfie. 😳

Apparently it’s something to do with a “cool influencer” she follows (don’t ask me, I barely understand Instagram). I nearly choked on my tea when she said it. I honestly thought she was joking but no, she’s deadly serious. She’s filling in the birth certificate this week.

Now I don’t want to be cruel but it just sounds absolutely ridiculous. A baby, fine, but imagine a grown man introducing himself at a job interview as Wolfie. Or me at the WI trying to tell people I’m looking after Wolfie this afternoon. I can’t even say it without laughing.

I told her straight that if she insists on calling him that, I won’t be able to babysit. I simply couldn’t keep a straight face and I honestly think it’s cruel to saddle a child with a silly name just because it’s trendy 🙄. She accused me of being dramatic and old fashioned but honestly, has the world gone mad?

So AIBU to draw a line here, or is this as daft as I think?

And before anyone says I’m controlling, I KNOW it’s her baby and her choice. But surely grandparents are allowed to have a say when it’s something that could affect the child’s future?

What do you think?

The influencer is Binky Felstead, used to be on Made in Chelsea.

But surely grandparents are allowed to have a say when it’s something that could affect the child’s future?

Nope. Call him Wilf to your friends if you must.

I like it

^^ this

YANBU

i know people will be on to say it’s her choice etc and he’s your grandson so you should put up with it, but it’s about time people thought about what they’re saddling their child with! Absolutely ridiculous name

Wolfie isn’t that unusual. Even if she’s been influenced by an influencer to like the name. It’s not really any weirder than choosing a name from an actor you liked in a film or whatever.

i think you’re being horribly unreasonable to blackmail her into changing it. What do you think will happen? She’ll run a list by you? By the sounds of things she’s never going to choose Andrew or whatever you deem acceptable

What a fabulous and supportive family your DD has

YANBU

Well if you are so shallow that you'd miss out on spending time with your Grandson just because of his name, then he's probably better off without you.

Wolfie is a ridiculous name though.

I understand how you feel. People are choosing completely batshit names for their children. However, unfortunately you don't have a say.

I mean you surely can have a say. But whether she chooses to listen to you is another matter.

You don’t get a say, but you can refuse to have anything to do with the baby. What does her DP think about the name as I assume they are happy with the name.

Im sure it will just shortened to wolf.. and after a while will be perfectly normal, may even suit him.

This is quite clearly a reverse. Yes your mum is obviously being unreasonable.

Power To The People!

I think it’ll probably seem fine by the time this child grows up because so many kids have more “unusual” (to our minds) names now.

Ultimately it’s entirely up to the parents what they call their child, and grandparents don’t get a say.

I think it’s unreasonable not to offer to babysit if you were otherwise planning to based on a name. It’s putting undue pressure on her about something that you shouldn’t be involved in.

Like 30% of MN this must rage bait.

Of course GP get no say.

You’re not being unreasonable to point out that she may want to rethink the name.

But if you’re genuine about not babysitting if that’s his name… I’d say she’s better off without you. Imagine letting a name interfere with your relationship with your grandchild!

If you refuse to accept your grandchild because of their name, you are just denying yourself of a relationship. The baby is probably better off with no grandmother than a judgemental one

🤣🤣🤣🤣

Citizen Smith!

You are giving your daughter an early heads up on what kind of grandparent you're prepared to be, and it doesn't look like it will be a particularly close, loving or supportive one.

Nah. I have taught a child called Wolfie and honestly, once it is a child name it is just their name, it doesn't even seem like a weird name any more.

I wouldn't worry too much.

Is that you Sarah Ferguson?

This is one of those things that you need to keep your beak right out of. It’s her choice and it isn’t even that uncommon. And while I don’t subscribe to the view that grandmothers have to provide childcare, it’s ridiculous to say you won’t babysit because of a name. Your loss, however.

This was also my thought!

Come the glorious day, comrade

I thought of Citizen Smith too!