Very gendered terms of endearment

[CaptainWarbeck]

I know this isn't a huge problem and we're lucky to have grandparents who love our kids. Just saying that as a given before I start!

DD is 7 months and my in laws are huge on calling her 'princess', 'angel', 'hello beautiful', 'sweetie' etc.

I know this is just affection and it comes from a lovely place. But it's very new, having got a toddler boy who's never been spoken to like this. I also definitely didn't get this as a kid so it feels very alien.

I wince a bit each time it happens because I don't want her to feel her value lies in her appearance, or that she needs to be 'a good girl', or is in any way 'daddy or grandpa's little princess'.

Should I bite my tongue and just be glad they're affectionate and kind, or is there a way to raise this without being a dickhead?!

There no way to raise it without sounding very strange. Just forget it.

Agree - praise other things about her - and if it persists as she grows, maybe enlarge on the praise - 'yes, a princess of block building!' or whatever

Yep wise words chemistry thanks.

I'm irrationally grumpy today so thank God I've got MN to tell me I'd be mental to say anything.

Research has shown that not just the terms of endearment we use, but our whole attitude towards babies is influenced by what people think is their sex. And it does matter in my opinion. If you don't challenge it now, will she be stuck as their pretty ickle princess for ever, rather than than brave resourceful girl you might like?

Calling all boys 'my little man' is strange to my ears, why worry about sounding strange when the 'usual' non-strange focus hasn't exactly helped all us girls who didn't want to be princesses, or praised for our prettiness.................

I actually think some of those phrases are gender neutral. I've always called my DS "Beautiful" and my DH has always called him "Honey".

I hate the princess thing too, but hopefully they'll get over that. I really don't think there is any way of mentioning it without sounding like a dickhead and I'd just be happy they are obviously so thrilled with your baby.