The only thing that everything has is a name. And, therein lies the issue. One of the most contentious dynamics that can happen when you have a baby is the naming of that baby. So many factors to consider!
Awwww. So sweet baby!
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Oh, how that little "bump" can change your life!
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It's just amazing how many people feel as though they have the "right" to make suggestions when it comes to your baby's name. It's ultimately your decision, or is it? Actually, there's more "in play" here than initially meets the eye. Family and social expectations are very powerful forces.
Both sets of grandparents want you to name your baby after their parents "somehow" and you just can't see naming your child Clarence or Bessie no matter how revered they were in their community. As you gaze down at your brand-new baby, you just can't see Elmer or Josephine listed in the yearbook under that adorable little face! Addressing the issue of contemporary names and making sure that you child is "in step" with his peers is important. The Grands will just have to understand that old-fashioned and possibly "corny" sounding names may make your child a target of social predators.
You've like encountered adults with names that seemed better suited for younger kids. Yep, that's right! Their parents did not consider how well the name would "age" with the child. While it might be cute now, when Pixie is 35 and a cardiac surgeon, will her name inspire confidence?
What if you are being pressure to name your baby after a beloved family member who has passed away? If the situation is "just right", then consider it. However, if this family member died under suspicious or unusual circumstances, will your child question his future? Will he think that there is "something more" to the name and feel "doomed to the same fate"? Life is tough enough, thanks, let's control the controllable.
Bullying has become a blood sport in American schools. Think about the way your child's name can be used again him. Kids will think of things you can't, but don't help them along!
Think about how the first name will fit with the family name. I think Ben Roethlisberger's parents did a fine job. Since the family name is long and difficult to spell, they gave Ben a break on the first name.
Both sets of grandparents want you to name your baby after their parents "somehow" and you just can't see naming your child Clarence or Bessie no matter how revered they were in their community. As you gaze down at your brand-new baby, you just can't see Elmer or Josephine listed in the yearbook under that adorable little face! Addressing the issue of contemporary names and making sure that you child is "in step" with his peers is important. The Grands will just have to understand that old-fashioned and possibly "corny" sounding names may make your child a target of social predators.
You've like encountered adults with names that seemed better suited for younger kids. Yep, that's right! Their parents did not consider how well the name would "age" with the child. While it might be cute now, when Pixie is 35 and a cardiac surgeon, will her name inspire confidence?
What if you are being pressure to name your baby after a beloved family member who has passed away? If the situation is "just right", then consider it. However, if this family member died under suspicious or unusual circumstances, will your child question his future? Will he think that there is "something more" to the name and feel "doomed to the same fate"? Life is tough enough, thanks, let's control the controllable.
Bullying has become a blood sport in American schools. Think about the way your child's name can be used again him. Kids will think of things you can't, but don't help them along!
Think about how the first name will fit with the family name. I think Ben Roethlisberger's parents did a fine job. Since the family name is long and difficult to spell, they gave Ben a break on the first name.
If you are feeling as though you have to "honor" someone or you just want an unusual, particularly lovely or meaningful name that you want to use, remember that you can have multiple middle names and kids don't usually even become aware of their middle names until they are older. They don't actually have to tell anyone their middle names!
The bottom line is this...think about how your child might feel about their name. Will they be explaining your decision for the rest of their lives? Will they live up to their names? Do you want them to live up to that name? How will it sound when the principal calls their name at graduation, the minister says their name at their wedding or when the Nobel Prize committee or Emmy Awards announcer says their name? You just never know where that little bump will end up! Life is full of possibilities. Give your child a name that honors them.
TTFN! Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and submit a question.
The bottom line is this...think about how your child might feel about their name. Will they be explaining your decision for the rest of their lives? Will they live up to their names? Do you want them to live up to that name? How will it sound when the principal calls their name at graduation, the minister says their name at their wedding or when the Nobel Prize committee or Emmy Awards announcer says their name? You just never know where that little bump will end up! Life is full of possibilities. Give your child a name that honors them.
TTFN! Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and submit a question.
