Names for Grandparents: What do you call yours?

**Cataholic** · 10-14-2009, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by Edwina's Secretary

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** · 10-14-2009, 03:03 PM

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** · 10-14-2009, 03:54 PM

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.

**Suki Wingy** · 10-14-2009, 07:31 PM

On my mom's side they are Nanny and Bumpah. I have no clue the story there. I call my dad's mom Char though, (her first name) because for some reason everyone on that side can't seem to call relations by anything than what they are to themselves, if that makes sense. (When my dad wants to talk to me about my grandmother, he refers to her as "Mom".)