I don't mean random children. I have a nephew who is constantly calling me mama. I've tried correcting him, "no, Auntie" and I have tried ignoring it. If it was just him getting confused it would bother me. Where he spends more time with me than his mom, I don't think he's doing it accidently. His sister never calls me mom. My kids always refer to me as auntie when they talk to him. He's only two so I am wondering if he actually thinks of me as a mom figure along with his own mom?? Has any one else ever had this problem? The only real reason I'm worried is because I think it may be hurting my sister in laws feelings. This has been going on for about a year.
2006-12-12 00:44:00 · 15 answers · asked by zara01 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I'm not going to stop seeing my nephew over something like this. The truely odd part is he rarely calls my husband dada even though his father left a few monthes ago and has very little to do with him. My husband and I work from home so we are very convienient babysitters. His mom works full time and barely can make ends meet. I also do not charge her anything to watch the kids. It's more important to me that they have a home to go home to than what he calls me.
2006-12-12 01:04:27 · update #1
I have a friend who niece calls her AntieMaMa. She has been taking care of the child and show a lot of love. What you should do is happily accept what the child wants to call. Even though you are concerned that your sister in law may not be happy, I think if she is a good mother, she will say, it is more important for the child to be happy since he already lost a father. Of course, from time to time, you should also remind the child that his mother loves him very much too. Life is just hard for her right now. When things get better, and she has more time, she will play a lot more with him. It is really not a good idea to tell the child that neither his father or his mother want him --(even though it could be part of the truth) He will realize the truth on his own. It will be very devastating him that he has no parental love at all.
I think you are very nice person, and your love and effort will be appreciated.
2006-12-12 01:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by J F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's probably not much you can do about it in this situation. As long as you correct him every time he calls you mama, you are doing what you can. He is very young to try to explain reasoning to, but you could try to tell him that it will hurt his mama's feelings if he calls you that. Maybe you could even let him come up with a different special name for you. He is probably calling you mama because he loves you the same way he loves his mom. If he had another name he could pick out for you, it might make him happy and not upset your sister-in-law. Good luck. I teach and have had children that try to make me their mom and want to call me mama. Luckily, it's never in front of their real parents. All you can do is keep correcting.
2006-12-12 01:48:21 · answer #2 · answered by caitlinerika 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since he is only 2, he's probably confused or maybe he doesn't meant "mom" as in his mother. I have a newphew who is almost two, and he calls everyone mom, even his daddy. He usually does this when he wants something.
My other nephew who is 5 now called me mom once. I lsmiled at him, giving the "what?" look and he smiled, alittle embarrassed, that he had called me mom.
I would just wait and eventually he would know the difference between "mom" and "auntie."
2006-12-12 05:32:04 · answer #3 · answered by javy_03 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My nephew did the same thing, but that's because my daughter calls me mama. First it was mama, because, (2-year-old) logic says that if one person calls me mama, then that's my name. Then it was Mama*realname* (ie. MamaCathy), because some people call me mama, some call me by my real name. Now it's just my real name. We don't really bother with aunt and uncle in my family. It just takes time for him to realize. It's harder because he sees you more. Try to keep a pic of his mom around and when he calls you mama, point to the picture and say, "no, that's mama, I'm auntie. Can you say Auntie?". Don't make a huge deal about it, and praise him when he does it right. Good luck!
2006-12-12 00:50:28 · answer #4 · answered by kameka 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like you said maybe its because he is with you more. Or maybe its because hes only two. But i think you should take it as a compliment. He obviously loves you like his mom. As long as you are correcting him when he calls you mom,,you shouldnt worry about it. Thats the only thing you can do about it. Let him know you are his auntie and if he still continues to call you mom then you should just take it as a compliment. Im sure he will grow out of it at some point.
2006-12-12 00:51:20 · answer #5 · answered by michelle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let him. Ask your sister if this bothers her. If it does, keep trying to have him call you something different. Maybe as he grows older, he will. It will probably be hard though. If your sister is ok with it, don't worry about it. Be proud that you are able to give this child something valuable - yourself. The child knows who his mother is and will also know when he gets older. He will always know that he has a mother who loves him and a very special aunt. Obviousy he does think of you as a mother figure but theres nothing wrong with that. He's still young. It will all work out as he gets older.
2006-12-12 00:55:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean 'problem'? It's a good thing.
You should be flattered. He is only 2. It is cute at the same time I think your quality time with him says it all by his acknowledging you as his mom. You ought to be proud. Just go with the flow, everything will work out.
He will get over it. Explain to your s-i-l and leave it at that. Don't make a big deal when you tell her though.
2006-12-12 00:51:15 · answer #7 · answered by Nightrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its all innocence, hon. Why dont you suggest that he calls you mama 2 , infront of his mother.? Then have a talk with your sis in law and jokingly comment how funny your nephew is and then comment, "Your baby has good taste in women!!, you better watchout when he grows up! your house will be full of some really cute girls"
2006-12-12 00:51:25 · answer #8 · answered by Nile Queen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say at two years old he is not saying it because he chooses to. He is probably confused. Don't you remember calling your school teacher mom once in a while? I'm sure your nephew will outgrow this.
2006-12-12 00:48:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep doing what your doing, Just say Auntie when he looks at you and says mama. good luck
2006-12-12 00:54:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋