Names for Grandparents: What do you call yours?

[Cataholic]

I am a docent at a local historic site. We give tours to 40,000 fourth graders every year. That is lots of kids.

One of the more experienced docent told me - "always introduce yourself as Ms. Last Name - not your first name." So I changed to that and I found it DID make a difference in the behavior of the children.

Jo, perhaps that teacher knows this too and was trying to politely nudge you in that direction?

Kids in school know that a Mr/Ms is someone they must listen to, someone in charge. First name - not so much....

I know why she did it, and she was very polite about it, lol, and it IS a good idea, I am sure. I just don't like it. I believe that a child can respect and love me just as easily when calling me by my first name as by my last name. BUT, I do recognize that this isn't done in an hour or two. So, from a practical sense, I get it, from a theory position, not so much.

At J's school, at least in the 3-6 grouping, it is Ms. first name...don't know about the 6-9 or 9-12 groupings. It was the same way in preschool. Maybe it is a new fad? Or, maybe the older groupings are different. One year at a time is our motto.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I think there is a difference in one or two children and a classroom full of children.

I had a group of 22 4th graders on a tour yesterday and believe me...I was Ms. Lastname and needed that and more!

I have developed tremendous admiration for teachers - and have learned to quickly spot a group the teacher has under control and those that are not.

I also think parents who chaperone should be with a different group than the one their child is in. The quality of the tour is directly related to the authority of the chaperones.

(And...truthfully I do not care if the child loves me or not. I am there to help them learn something...)

[Cataholic]

It is probably a fault of mine, I really do want everyone to love and respect me. Always have. Probably always will.

And, for me, there isn't a whole lot of pleasure or purpose volunteering in a class other than my son's. It won't be long until I am not wanted in there by him!lol.