Calling Adults by their Last Name

As mom, I suppose that I should put my two cents in here. I have come to the conclusion that for the most part adults should be called by their last names unless otherwise instructed by the adult. And frankly, too many adults are too free in allowing children to call them something else. Using the last name implies respect and a differentiation between the generations.

I know if you are under 35 or so, you are thinking that is why I have them call me by my first name. I want them to think of me as one of the them. But I'm here to say that you think you want that, but this may not be the best course of action for you or for them. So many people complain about this newest generations' "respect", but if they were never taught respect how can they show it. Calling someone Mr. or Mrs. may seem minor, but it has larger implications that affect behavior. Using a title shows that you may have something to learn from them as they have been here longer and may have gleaned more wisdom. Using Mr. or Mrs. also reminds us to be on better behavior, to watch our language, and to be thoughtful in our topics of conversation. If everyone is our "friend" and we can be loose all the time, these skills can become forgotten. Without titles, behavior and speech becomes kind of like an anything goes game and then when you need the respect it is hard to regain it. Sometimes it is there for us to be reminded that we are not one of them and that it is not appropriate to pretend that we are.


I enjoy being friendly with the younger generations like DD, but they and I know that there is a boarder to this. I must admit that I was not always like this. A friend of ours actually, brought it to our attention through Scouts and was adamant that people of authority should be called by their title. I was hesitant to become old and add a title to my name, but I had to admit that I saw a difference in the way the kids responded to him vs the other leaders. Soon we all adapted to the labels and ironically, sometimes we even call each other Mr. and Mrs. Please note that this does not mean that we don't have just as much fun with the kids. We do, but they know who is in charge and that we take that job very seriously. They know that they are safe and that the adults are taking care of them. They know that one day they will reach the same precipice and have earned the same respect and will have the honor of carrying the same title.

By,
Dawn AKA Mom