Can I ask a grandparent to change what they call my child?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here. We have a similar problem. My husband wanted to name DC Timothy, I agreed under condition that he won't be nicknamed Tim (can't stand the nickname). DH agreed and asked his family to call DC Timothy only explaining the reasons for that. They refuse! They use Tim all the time and told me it's my problem that I don't like it as they don't like Timothy. I did let it go after that but it still makes me sad.

His family sounds really selfish and petty. Is it always about them? What is their problem?

[Anonymous]

Um, YOU told them they could call him whatever they want, so they're doing exactly what you said they could. And maybe your two year old is developmentally different from the ones I know, but I'd think at that age he could definitely express if he didn't like what they are calling him.

[Anonymous]

They might be doing it TO annoy you. My mom would TOTALLY do that. In that case, ignore it. Your child can make up his mind about what he wants to be called when he's old enough to decide and correct people.

[Anonymous]

You should have said something sooner. But at this point, just say for consistency you would appreciate if they call your DS Timothy.

My mom tried to give DD a nickname and I politely, but firmly, told her what DD name is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's cool to have the grandparents call him something that's their own.

+1. both sets of grandparents in our family have their own (different!) nicknames for each of our two kids. MILs nickname totally annoys me, but whatever.

[Anonymous]

Wait till DC is older..if he is with fine then let it go. Let him correct them if he wants. My DD Kate corrects anyone who tries to make her a Katie and has since she was a preschooler.

[PandaNataly]

I know how difficult it may be to convince old peaople change their habbits. So I second everyone up in the thread who suggested that you let it go Just take this with a bit of humor. Good luck!