Mother vs. Mommy

Last night I read two books to my boys at bedtime, and in both the parents were 'Mother' and 'Daddy'. This annoyed me for various reasons.

1. I have yet to meet a child who addresses his mother as 'Mother' rather than Mom, Mommy, Momma, etc.

2. The use of Mother vs. Daddy seems to send this message: Mother is strict and the boss, while Daddy is loving and fun.

3. Mother sounds so old-fashioned and brings to mind a panty-waisted mama's boy who still lives at home at age 45 and is frightened of 'Mother'.

The two books I read were not more than 10 years old.
Does this bother anyone else or is it just me?

Comments: 11

DiAnA D. Jan 7, 2009, 4:14pm EST

i would have changed it to mommy and daddy when i was reading it.. your right.. mother is too stodgy!

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Chris E. Jan 7, 2009, 4:19pm EST

I tend to agree also. Especially with number two. Of course. I am the more the stick one in our house so that may be why it bothers me but I am also a fun mom too.

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Robin"Buffy's Stunt Double" D. Jan 7, 2009, 4:38pm EST

I agree. The thought of using mother brings to mind a strict woman bearing a wooden spoon. I personally prefer mom.

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Xuong V. Jan 7, 2009, 6:00pm EST

To me "Mother" is more formal than "Mom", "Mommy"
same goes for "Father" & "Dad" or "Daddy" :)

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Sandy (Site Psychic™) Knauer Jan 7, 2009, 8:16pm EST

1. I have yet to meet a child who addresses his mother as 'Mother' rather than Mom, Mommy, Momma, etc. Really? I've known many in my time, not all of them recent. One of my daughters called me mother almost from the moment she started speaking (she spoke in full sentences at age two, so she started fairly early). I think it might have been because my mother called her mother 'Mother' and she thought it was grown-up. My daughters are 33 and 22. One calls me Mother and the other calls me Mommy.

2. The use of Mother vs. Daddy seems to send this message: Mother is strict and the boss, while Daddy is loving and fun. I called my parents Mom and Daddy. My mother called her parents Mother and Daddy. None of them were strict. I don't understand why you think Mother indicates bossy or strict.

3. Mother sounds so old-fashioned and brings to mind a panty-waisted mama's boy who still lives at home at age 45 and is frightened of 'Mother'. Oh my. Your poor child. Panty-waisted? You really use that term and criticize the use of the word Mother?

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Marilyn M. Jan 10, 2009, 10:16pm EST

It would make more sense, I think if it said "mother and father" or "mommy and daddy" but not "mother and daddy".

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El Toro Bravo de Amor Jan 10, 2009, 11:20pm EST

The only time I hear kids say "mother" is when they are being ironic or disapproving. Usually in jest. On the other hand "Mommie Dearest" is more infamous than "Mother dear."

PS. I'm quite certain I would refer to Sandy as a mother.

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El Toro Bravo de Amor Jan 10, 2009, 11:21pm EST

father could have been replaced with "dude!"

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Mary Ann S. Jan 11, 2009, 5:04pm EST

My mother was very standoffish and verbally abusive. My sister and I called her "Mother."
My dad was always" Daddy" to us.
We didn't realize it then, but our choice of terms said a lot about them and us.

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Beverly T. Jan 19, 2009, 11:07pm EST

I guess a lot of it depends on your experience in your own families and who you knew growing up. But I can identify with your point of view.

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Mother vs. Mommy

Comments: 11

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