Creative Choices for Grandparent Names

Are traditional grandparent names becoming a thing of the past? It seems that some baby boomers think so. It all started when a woman gained popularity on TikTok by sharing a video about how her mother-in-law didn’t want to be called “grandma.” Her suggestions included “Mama” combined with her last name — for example, Mama Smith. Unfortunately, her son and daughter-in-law quickly rejected this idea, pointing out that the ending “ma” could be shortened to “mam,” which didn’t sit well with the child’s mother. The mother-in-law’s next choice was “Queen-Mother.”

The creator of the TikTok video, which has been viewed 1.9 million times, said, “I think she’s been watching ‘Bridgerton,’ so that might have influenced her” and added that her mother-in-law said it could be shortened to “queen.” In the end, the husband and wife convinced the mother-in-law to accept the name “G-ma.”

In the comments, many people shared similar requests from their parents and in-laws. One person said, “My dad really wanted to be called ‘Your Highness.'” Another person said, “My mom wanted to be called mam-mam because I’m the mom of their mom. No. Absolutely not.” Someone else shared, “My (mother-in-law) wanted to be called Mamo. I’ve never laughed so hard at someone’s request.”

According to an August survey conducted by Preply involving 1,500 Americans from across the United States, baby boomers increasingly prefer nicknames that match their vibrant spirit and sense of individuality. The most popular alternative names for grandmothers are “Gigi,” “Bibi,” and “Momo,” while for grandfathers, it’s “Dzięk” and “Grandude.”

Marriage and family therapist Erik Anderson speculates that baby boomers are choosing to abandon the traditional names “grandma” and “grandpa” for various reasons, including a denial of aging. There is also the possibility that instead of denying their age, they simply do not want to appear old-fashioned or view themselves in the same light as their own grandparents.

Do grandparents want to be called something controversial? In the case where a grandparent wants to be called something truly controversial, Anderson and psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis agree that although it’s important to let grandparents choose their name, ultimately, the child’s parents have the final say.

Sarkis says it’s important to be firm but empathetic with grandparents who insist on an inappropriate name while explaining why the parents reject their request. If grandparents come up with a nickname that both they and the child’s parents like, it can be a good way to empower grandparents as they step into their new role as grandmother or grandfather.

Ultimately, as Sarkis says, “the freedom to choose how you want to be called is a tremendous power. Some names simply don’t suit certain people, and that’s okay.”

FAQ based on the main topics and information presented in the article:

1. Why do some baby boomers not want to be called traditional grandparent names?
Some baby boomers do not want to be called traditional grandparent names because they want to express their individuality and vibrant spirit.

2. What alternative names are popular among baby boomers?
The most popular alternative names for grandmothers are “Gigi,” “Bibi,” and “Momo,” while for grandfathers, it’s “Dzięk” and “Grandude.”

3. Why are baby boomers giving up traditional “grandma” and “grandpa” names?
Baby boomers are giving up traditional “grandma” and “grandpa” names for various reasons, including a denial of aging and a desire to avoid being perceived as old-fashioned.

4. Should the decision on grandparent names be solely made by the child’s parents?
The final decision on grandparent names lies with the child’s parents, although it’s important to allow grandparents to express their preferences.

5. What approach should be taken if grandparents insist on an inappropriate name?
It’s important to be firm and empathetic with grandparents who insist on an inappropriate name while explaining why the parents reject their request. If grandparents and the child’s parents can find a compromise in choosing a name, that can be a good solution.

6. Why is freedom of choice important in grandparent names?
Freedom of choice in grandparent names empowers them and allows them to express their identity. Therefore, it’s important to respect the grandparents’ preferences that align with both themselves and the child’s parents.

7. Are there names that can be controversial?
Yes, there are names that can be considered controversial. Ultimately, the child’s parents have the final say in naming the grandparent.

Glossary:
– Baby boomers – individuals born in the post-World War II era
– TikTok – a social media platform for short-form videos
– Last name – family name
– Ending – the part of a name that appears at the end
– Mama – mother
– Queen-Mother – a combination of the words “queen” and “mother”
– G-ma – an alternative name for grandma
– Survey – a study conducted to gather information
– Nicknames – alternative names used instead of traditional ones
– Convince – persuade, make someone agree
– Old-fashioned – outdated, not in line with current trends or standards
– Controversial – causing disputes or discussions
– Psychotherapist – a specialist who provides psychological therapy
– Preferences – personal choices or preferences
– Identity – a sense of self, who one is as a person
– Compromise – an agreement reached through mutual concessions
– Express – state, emphasize, reveal
– Tolerate – accept, endure, agree to something