Children typically address their parents as "Mom" and "Dad," a practice that often begins with the simple sounds "ma" and "pa," which are among the first sounds babies learn to make. This habit continues into adulthood, reinforcing family roles and the unique bond between parents and children.
Many people around the world consider it disrespectful for children to address their parents or grandparents by their first names. This tradition is often tied to a desire to maintain a clear family hierarchy, with the goal of fostering respect and parental authority. The unspoken message is "we are not friends."
However, neither of these approaches—using a first name or a title like "Mom"—is likely to have a significant negative impact on a child's overall development. Yet, a different habit that is very common—using "mommy" and "daddy" in the third person when speaking to a child—can make it harder for them to learn proper grammar. For example, a parent might say, "Come to mommy," instead of, "Come to me."
For a child to learn pronouns correctly, using phrases like "come to me" is more effective. The next time you're with friends, you can try this method and see their reaction. They might be surprised or even criticize the approach without ever having stopped to consider it.
Picture: A mother and her son as buddies (Gemini)
