There is an increasing trend for children to address adults by their first names, instead of a title and surname.
I believe it is a sign of respect for a child to use an adult's title and surname, even if it is only because the person is an adult. I think it reminds the child that this person is not his/her buddy, and should not be treated the same way.
Our daughter has been taught to use titles and surnames, and several of her friends' moms have whispered to me that they really like and appreciate it. I cringe when an 8 year-old calls me by my first name. I don't say anything, because I feel that is the parents' choice.
Some of our daughter's friends have caught on, though, by hearing the way my daughter addresses their parents, and they address me with my title and last name.
A school not far from here is touting the fact that the children call the teachers by their first names... they are using this as a selling point. Why do we want children to feel we are on an equal basis? We aren't. We are the authority figures!
How do you feel about a child you don't really know (you haven't given permission) addressing you by your first name?
Cheers, from
SwampWitch
I believe it is a sign of respect for a child to use an adult's title and surname, even if it is only because the person is an adult. I think it reminds the child that this person is not his/her buddy, and should not be treated the same way.
Our daughter has been taught to use titles and surnames, and several of her friends' moms have whispered to me that they really like and appreciate it. I cringe when an 8 year-old calls me by my first name. I don't say anything, because I feel that is the parents' choice.
Some of our daughter's friends have caught on, though, by hearing the way my daughter addresses their parents, and they address me with my title and last name.
A school not far from here is touting the fact that the children call the teachers by their first names... they are using this as a selling point. Why do we want children to feel we are on an equal basis? We aren't. We are the authority figures!
How do you feel about a child you don't really know (you haven't given permission) addressing you by your first name?
Cheers, from
SwampWitch