A Daddy by any other name...

When I was very young, I called my mother "Mommy." As I got a bit older, I called her "Momma." (I've only seen a few people online spell it this way, but it is the way I grew up spelling it.) Eventually, I got old enough to call her "Mom."

Ronni & his Poppa

My ex-husband didn't want to go by "Daddy." He chose for our son to learn to call him "Poppa." It was endearing and I rather liked that he had a name different from other kids' dads. He did, eventually, start referring to him as "my dad" to make things simpler in conversation with his friends. I have a friend who's child calls the parents "Mama & Papa."

Sasha & her Daddy

Sasha & Spencer's Daddy is fine with "Daddy." It has its own sweetness. It is what I called my own father for a very long time. I'm sure our littles will eventually grow to call him "Dad."

Me & my Daddy

I chose to go the same route as my own mother, having my children call me "Mommy." I do not appreciate being called "mother." It just sounds too impersonal. Likewise, I would not like my parenting partner to be called "father," though these terms are fine in conversation with others. "My mother..."

I'm finding that it can get tricky when you have children at different stages. Ronni calls me "Momma" or "Mom," but then has to correct Sasha when she copies her. At least she hasn't started noticing that Ronni calls her [Sasha's] daddy "Elmo!"

What parental terms have you taught your children to use? What is your reasoning behind your choice?