Think like a third grader!

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Think like a third grader!

by Judith
(Chicago, Illinois, USA)

So many different things go through your head when deciding on a baby name - you may want to honor a family member or close friend, but also need to make sure that you don't offend anyone.

You think about things like what the initials of the first, middle and last names will spell and any possible variations that may at some point in the future be embarrassing.

What you also have to consider is what the kids in school will do with your child's name - how will it rhyme or turn into an insult?

I never imagined that naming my daughter Donna (after my childhood best friend) would someday turn into a playground chant of "Donna, Donna, smokes marijuana!!"

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Think like a third grader!

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OMG!
by: Marlena Braun

LOL! I just had to explain to my 4 yr old that mommy is ok. I just learned how to laugh, cry, read, and breathe at the same time.

Who would imagine that these tiny little things that we adore so much can become cruel as they get older. I was once supervising a visiting elementary school at my high school. The point was to play sports and have a fun week for the kids while providing mentors.

During the week I watched over 10 groups of kids, but the 3rd graders group was my favorite. There was one kid that got on the field and immediately started calling another kid a dirty trash bag filled with poop. I could not help but think, "Gee, that kid will fit right in at this school."

Good points!
by: Lisa Goldsmith

Thanks for your story, Judith, you make some very good points!

Many parents seem to name their children without regard to how they might be teased by their classmates in the future, or how the name could affect their personality and even their opportunities as far as education and career in the future.

Very unusual and quirky (Moon Unit) or old-fashioned names (Mildred) could leave the child open to teasing, as well as names that can be easily made into teasing rhymes.

However, it is important to remember that children will tease each other about anything and everything, so even giving your child a 'normal' name will not protect him/her from teasing.

It will at least take away one possible target for teasing, though.

Long name, short name?
by: Paul - UK

Those are great points to remember Judith.

I'll extend what you are saying a little and add that my Mom chose our family names with the proviso that they could not be shortened or abbreviated, for instance from William to Will, Stuart to Stu, Peter to Pete, I think that you get my point.

She slipped up a little because a lot of my friends call me Pauly - but never in front of Mom!

Very True Baby Name Thought
by: Lance

Dear Judith,

You make a very good point about looking ahead to the many different ways a baby name can be used in school (the 3rd grade) and elsewhere.

Alas, as you pointed out, there is no way to anticipate ALL of the ways a name may be used or misused - all we can do is do our best and be happy with the baby names we choose.

Thanks for sharing that thought with the forum!

Wishing you Happy Parenting now and always!
Lance Dobieski

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Think like a third grader!

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Think like a third grader!