I have two step-children...?

Question

I have two step children a girl age 7, and a boy age 9. Currently they call me by my first name (Holly), they want to call me a "motherly" or respectful name that won't offend their birth mother. Any suggestions? It doesn't have to be a "mom" type name, just something that isn't Mom, Mama, Mommy or my first name.

Answer 1

Do you have a pet name? Mine is Bindy..Personally, for now I would continue with Holly. The reason for this is, as time goes on you guys will either get comfortable with your first name or you may come up with another name just as suitable. Let the kids know that it is not the name that is as important than the relationship that you guys build that is bonding and full of love.

Answer 2

How about Mi Mi  sounds like Me Me........ It sounds motherly but not grandmotherly and doesn't come close to Mom. I personally wouldn't want my daughter calling a step mom by anything but her first name. I also don't let my daughter call her step dad  "Dad".   She has one dad and one mom. She is also lucky enough to have a step mom "Stephanie" and a step dad "Brad" who love her very much.

Answer 3

Ms.Holly..

Answer 4

I sense that you're trying to be respectful, but she's their real mother, so I think it would be smart to ask her.

Answer 5

well if they called you something like "nana" that's to grandma-ish. Maybe you could just use a nickname. "LeeLee" "Halls" ...ect

Answer 6

Seriously, whats the problem? They love you so it sounds, and what is the big deal, you should let them call you whatever they feel comfortable with, as long as it is respectful, you can't just give them a name to use and expect them to just be happy and use it.

Answer 7

I am a step child and have grown up most of my life that way. And I've always called them by there first names or Madre [Mom in Spanish] jokingly. But I don't see anything wrong with the first name thing, maybe a nickname from your name. Or just go with Mom. People are allowed to have more than one. Many kids do. And if the birth mother has a problem with it, she can take it up with you.

#1 suggestion: try "Mom" in another language.

Answer 8

meema?? I'm not sure.

Answer 9

People seem to come up with all kinds of names on their own, but I've always liked "Ma miere' myself.  It is different, unique and rather individualized.  To each his own, however, and perhaps it would be nice to ASK the children what they would LIKE to call you?  Surely, they are old enough to come up with some pretty interesting, if not affectionate terms.  This is a good thing...establishing a nice address system starting out - good for you all in seeking to level one and all's comfort level in such a manner!

I really applaud the man or woman who can adopt/step parent children and RECOGNIZE, that the more mentors and parents around to love and nurture children in this world?  THE BETTER...we all need to remember, the children of today will eventually, inevitably be our CARE TAKERS 'tomorrow'!!!

Goodluck dear...your thoughtfulness abounds!

Sincerely,

Grace

Answer 10

I was raised by a step mom from the age of 3. Her name is Ruby and that is what I have always called her. In any introduction I would say "this is my mom, Ruby" The truth of the matter here is this they are not your children and you are not thier mom. To encourage them to call you mom in any language would be showing disrespect to the woman who is and you don't want to rattle that cage...................trust me on this one