Explain Your Preferences
Children are constantly learning everything about the physical world around them and how to interact socially. When your child calls you Linda, you should try not to overreact. Bear in mind that they most certainly heard someone else call you by your name and are simply repeating it. Some children simply pick up the habit upon hearing your partner or other individual address you by name. Regardless of the catalyst, it presents an opportunity for you to communicate your preferred name to your child. It’s not simply about saying “Don’t call me that.” In addition to correcting them, it also helps if you model your preferred name when referring to yourself.
Be Consistent
It’s confusing for a child if their behavior is perceived as adorable one day, and disrespectful another. Be consistent about your preferred name and how you respond when summoned by your child. Don’t confuse your child by accepting the use of your name during certain circumstances, and rejecting it during others.
Embrace Your Child’s Independence
There is a litany of methods through which a child can demonstrate their independence that do not involve addressing a parent by name. These include using the potty on their own and tying their own shoes.
With a little bit of patience and persistence, and a lot of positivity, you’ll come away from the experience with a better understanding of your child and how they process the world around them.
