Should kids call adults by their first name?

Question

I've heard kids call a 25 year old man Mr. Jones, and a 65 year old man Al. What determines the proper etiquette in this area?

Answer 1

Depends on the ages and the relationship.

In European languages, there's a difference and a concomitant etiquette that determines who gets to be formal, informal and a blend of the two. That reference here to "Miss Judy" works pretty well- the lady gets a title (Miss) and a first name (Judy).

Even in laid-back California, it would sound wrong to my ears for a three year old to call a 65-year-old guy "Al." The child should know to use "Mister" or "Ma'am."

Conversely, it would be stuffy and stilted for a 17-year-old to say "Mister" to a 25-year-old cousin.

And when someone is in uniform or you're in a business situation, use "Mister" or Miss."

When in doubt, go with the more formal. If the 25-year-old wants to be "Bill," he'll let you know.

Answer 2

It depends on what the adult wants. If the 25-year-old is not comfortable with kids calling him Bob or Joe, then Mr. Jones it is. And if hte 65-year-old guy named Al feels old when kids call him Mr. Smith, then he'll forever be Al. It really depends on the person! :)

Answer 3

I don't find it proper for children to call adults by their first names. In the south, they use Miss Judy, or Miss something if they are talking to an adult and I still found that a little strange. An adult should command some respect so it should be Mr. or Mrs. Smith or whatever along those lines but first names shouldn't be used. Some adults may ask for their first names to be used but I think that just confuses the matter.

Answer 4

Bottom line, your child, your choice on how to handle him. I don't think she meant to offend you, think of it from her point of view. A kid walked into her, just stood there, and was wearing a helmet, not anything abnormal for a toddler, but it was probably something abnormal for her. If you truly believe she was being rude, best to just ignore her, causing a commotion will only upset you and your child. Kids are all weird, they're learning and adjusting and growing. Honestly I don't think she would have said anything if he wasn't wearing a helmet, but you never know. People get weirded out by helmets if the persons not on a motorcycle or bicycle.

Answer 5

I think all "children" regardless of age, should call people by either Mr. or Mrs./Ms. Last name. In daycare, it's becoming very popular to call people by (title) Susan. "Ms. Susan" for example, is just tacky and wrong. Elders deserve respect. Mr. Jones is cool, Mr. Thomas is NOT.

Answer 6

It really depends on the relationship between the two people. If they are friends, then most kids would call them by their first name. It is more of what is expected and accepted by the child's family and the person he is talking to.

Al might be someone the kid know well (family) or have been told just to call him Al.

Answer 7

Absolutely not. Children should not address adults by their first names. They should address them are Mr. or Mrs. or Miss. whatever their last name is. If they do not know that then they should say Sir or Ma'am.

I'm 37 and I still address my elders as Sir, Ma'am, Mr., Mrs., or Miss.

Answer 8

Depends on alot of things.

Is this adult their teacher or neighbor? and how does this person feel about it.

like for my grandma...i call her grandma... not Grandma Bea.

I still call old teachers...like my kindergarten and all my high school teachers Mr. or Mrs. *last name*.

If this adult wants you to call them by their first name...then do it. If not "Mr. or Mrs *last name* is better.

Maybe Al wants to be called that.

Answer 9

It is that particular adults responsibility to enforce what he or she thinks is best if the parent doesn' t make it clear. I was taught to put a Ms. or Mr. in front of the first or last name when talking to an adult.

Answer 10

Well i am a 14 year old and i call people what i do depending on thier preference and or how well i know them.