Tuesday, April 22, 2008

What's In A Name?

My son has upwards of thirty words. (Yes, I am keeping track because I know this is going to be asked at his upcoming well visit.) He says "no," "ball," "kitty cat" and several others. Of course, we think he is a genius and applaud all of his new utterances.

Unfortunately, though, he has one word that he will not say: "daddy."

He said "dada" right on track and it continued until around his first birthday but somewhere along the line, my husband became "Mommy," too. At first, we just laughed and passed it off. My daughter had a thing for a while where she called my husband "Daddymommy" and it passed nearly as quickly as it came.

"Mommy" really seems to be sticking with the boy, though. I am "Mommy" and so is my husband and my daughter. She, of course, loves it and enjoys the special name. When the kid really wants me he says "Momma" and I know he means me. But when he wants his dad: "Mommy!"

It didn't bother my husband until recently. We have had several situations where in public my son shouts "Mommy" and clearly wants my husband or his attention. This embarrassed RxMan. I think it sort of emasculated him and you know how men are about their penises. *sigh*

So, we have begun Operation ReTeach Him To Say Daddy. And so far? It is failing miserably. My husband has tried not responding to him until he says "Daddy" but if he stuck to his guns, the kid would never be held by his dad again. In the past few weeks, I have heard him say something along the lines of "daddy" once and it was at a whisper and I am not absolutely sure that is what he said.

We've tried "daddy", "papa", "father" and "dad" but the kid insists on "MOMMY" and usually in all caps. Yeah. That makes my husband ever so proud and secure in his manhood. I think the boy just has his signals crossed and truly thinks his dad's name is MOMMY, like his sister's and his, well, his other mommy.

So, I come to you, internetz, some of the savviest mommas I know to share ideas on how to whip this little bugger into shape or at least share a laugh at my husband's expense with me. Any ideas on how to get the kid to call a spud a spud?

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hmmm. I would giggle, but I'm mean like that. I guess just keep referring to him as dad or daddy. And, don't worry about writing them down. I wrote down the first 311.

Missy said...

I am laughing, but only because my little guy is currently doing the EXACT same thing right now! We are all Mama - even his sister, grandma, and daddy. He does occasionally say Dada, but not really in reference to anything.
So, I am no help. I just figure that he will say it eventually.

Anonymous said...

I've never had a kid yet who said "mom" first, so don't ask me!

Kellan said...

This is so funny! I think he is pretty darn smart - your little one!!

Have a good Tuesday, Toni - see you soon - Kellan

suchsimplepleasures said...

my son called everyone nana...even his pacifier...which he still calls his nana.
xoxo

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

First of all, the fact that he says 30 words IS awesome. Our pediatrician said a child at 20 months who can speak 20 words is considered 'gifted'. I kid you not.

And I have no help for you. Our lil guy calls both my parents papa. We're trying like all h@ll to get him to differentiate. Poor daddio though!! :-)

BTW, my google reader caught that post on sunday (that I think you removed) and i just wanted to offer a 'that sux'. Greasy wheel syndrom, huh? *sigh*

DIXIECHICK said...

Everytime he calls him Mommy, repeat..no, Daddy...eventually, he will get it.

Cynthia said...

Got nothin', but it makes me chuckle:)

Head Gaggler said...

Ha, I am sorry I shouldn't laugh but you got me at penises. I am sorry for your hubby. I know it will only be a matter of time before he learns daddy.

Anonymous said...

I'm an SLP and I say, just let the phase pass on it's own. It's not like he'll be 15 and calling his daddy "mommy!"

The Egel Nest said...

This is TOTALLY normal...our son called everything Momma and Dada before he actually started getting it right and calling us by our name...

Everything..

TV...mama...

Dinner...dada

The wall...Mama or dada..

Don't sweat it..it will come with time and don't obsess or try and "reteach"...just be patient :)

Bradley
The Egel Nest