Names for step-parents

[Lockdownsceptic]

No, I don’t mean rude ones. I am just wondering what name children use for their Dad’s new wife, or their Mum’s new husband. Obviously using Mummy and Daddy isn’t appropriate when they already have someone they love with that name. But are there any good alternatives.

I have a step mum and a step dad, and have done since I was a child. I am also now a step mum myself. Just our normal names are used in all cases. I should imagine that’s how it works for most too.

Their usual name when talking to them, and “my stepmum/stepdad” when talking about them.

To me, they use my name or a silly nickname version of it. My own children have a nickname for my DH. So, it's more a term of endearment rather than just using our usual name like friends etc would.

To other people, they refer to me as their 'stepmum'.

My dc call my dh a sweet version of his name and my sc calls me a nickname of my name. X

Just their names - or a pet version of it.

My ExH wouldn't even let me refer to my oldest friend as 'aunty [name]' when we were together. Since he left for the OW my children now have a whole heap of aunties and uncles and even have a new nanna and grandpa on the OW's side. I find it infuriating, considering her 'contribution' to our family.

My DP's step grandchildren call me 'nanna [name]' but it's something his daughter and her partner wanted. It's a title I don't think I deserve.

Every child I know with step parents just calls them by their christian name

Just use their first name.

Again, just my name. My step child calls my brother uncle and my parents his grandparents but I'm just my name. Feels difficult sometimes because they all get to have a 'special name' and there's no 'special name' to give me but I just tend not to think about it because it's unnecessary headspace really. We both love eachother and that is more important than the special name

I was thinking it would be nice for the step mum or dad to be given a special name that denotes their special role in a child’s life. One that maybe no one else uses.
It’s much easier for grandparents I think because there are so many variations on the name. Even foreign ones are acceptable. I’m hoping my son’s new family will eventually come to call me Granny or maybe Granny (Christian name).

Don’t force this upon your children. It is totally their decision what they decide to call this new person who has entered their life without them having a say.

Using their first name is completely normal and I think pushing a silly nickname isn’t fair.

leave it.

Well I was hoping this would be a good natured, maybe even light hearted, thread. But there again this is Mumsnet so I should have known better.

I’ve always called my step mum by her name but she’s been nan to my son since he was born (which was my mums idea). Shes awesome and my life is better with her in it

The only nickname for step parents I've ever seen used is "uncle first name"

I'm a long term step mum with a great relationship with my SC and am called my Christian name. Don't force anything, just be there for them, be consistent and supportive without overstepping.

This.
First names.

Just first name which is what I expected