Trekkie Question: Is there a reason why 'The Petersons' are referenced so often in Deep Space Nine?

Question

I keep noticing it when one of the children are being babysat - they are always 'with the Petersons'. I noticed it again today in a series 3 episode. A child told his father his sister was 'with the Petersons'. This must be a nod to someone or an inside joke and i'd like to know the story if anyone can enlighten me!

Thanks in advance, serious answers only please.....

Answer 1

I'm not aware of any deep significance attached to the Petersons other than they're good with children. It's possible, that they could be the family of Crewman Peterson, a Starfleet serviceman who served on Deep Space 9. Mr. Peterson perished aboard USS Defiant in 2372, as seen in DS9: "Starship Down".