That’s my new name. Also known in first baby words as “Mama.”
Yes, my little princess said Mama. And then she fussed. She was in the exersaucer at the time, so I looked over at her and said, “It’s okay sweetie, mommy’s right here.” And she settled and gave me the smile of the year. Not sure if it was joy that I told her not to worry or satisfaction that she had effectively communicated to me directly. Either way, she definitely said Mama.
J and T were in the room and stopped in their tracks when they heard it. They looked at me as if I wouldn’t know how to respond. What do they think…I’ve never been called Mama before? Let’s talk about that…how do kids choose what to call their mothers.
I have friends who call their parents Mother and Father, Mommy and Dad, Mom and Daddy, and other combinations. My children are all different. Some called me “Ma” as infants. One called me Mommy and now calls me Mama and I don’t know why he switched. That same child calls his father Dad when he references him, but Daddy when speaking to his father. Everyone else calls dad Dad. On a daily basis, I am referred to as Mama, Mommy, Mom, and Yes-sir (when they forget I’m the female authority…is my voice that deep?).
I called my mother Mommy for years. I think I switched to Mom when I was late high school. But when talking about her to my sister or requesting her on the phone to my father, she’s still (and will always be) Mommy. My friend is the same way. Even when talking to me, she calls her mother Mommy.
Curious to know the names you use and are used by your children?
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