MIL Tries To Take Credit For Granddaughter’s Name, Mom Calls Her Bluff, Sparking Family Drama

Some expecting parents struggle to choose their future baby’s name until the very last minute. Having to pick from hundreds of different options can be overwhelming and even paralyzing, so they may turn to their family and friends for help. After all, they are the ones who know them the best and can offer meaningful advice and suggestions. 

These expectant parents, on the other hand, were happy to have chosen a name for their future daughter by themselves, which meant a lot for both of them. However, the mother-in-law decided to rain on their parade and credit herself for the idea, which the pregnant woman corrected and got blamed for acting ‘tactless.’

Some expectant parents struggle to choose their future baby’s name, so they turn to family for help

Woman correcting mother-in-law who claimed she came up with baby’s name during a tense conversation at home.

Image credits: Far-Oven-6023 (not the actual photo)

But these parents picked one completely by themselves, and their MIL still credited herself for it

Woman correcting mother-in-law who claimed she came up with baby’s name at family gathering.

Woman corrects mother-in-law on baby’s name origin, clarifying she did not come up with the name herself.

Text excerpt about a woman correcting her mother-in-law who claimed credit for the baby’s name choice.

Text excerpt showing a woman correcting her mother-in-law who falsely claimed she came up with the baby’s name.

Family gathered with baby, woman correcting mother-in-law about baby’s name origin during joyful moment at home.

Image credits: Far-Oven-6023 (not the actual photo)

Text showing a woman correcting her mother-in-law who claimed she came up with the baby’s name, emphasizing personal choice.

Text excerpt describing a woman correcting her mother-in-law about the baby's name causing family tension.

Text excerpt showing a woman sharing a phone call conflict involving her mother-in-law about a baby’s name.

Update message text on a white background showing woman corrects mother-in-law who claimed she came up with baby’s name discussion.

Image credits: Far-Oven-6023

Even though well-meaning, loved ones can be a big source of stress during pregnancy

During pregnancy, involving family and friends can sometimes be beneficial. But other times they can complicate things and cause stress even without being included. Despite family and friends typically meaning well, their excitement and opinions can sour the whole experience. Unfortunately, the strain caused by all of this can have negative effects on the mom and the baby.

“There is considerable evidence that some forms of stress pose risk for the mother and the baby and the birth itself,” said Christine Dunkel Schetter, PhD, a researcher and professor of psychology and psychiatry at UCLA.

Prolonged stress and anxiety experienced during a pregnancy can result in mental health problems, premature birth and developmental delays, emotional reactivity, or behavior issues for the child. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that feeling stress is a normal part of our lives that is often unavoidable. 

“There is no expectation that anyone lives a stress-free life,” says Elizabeth Werner, PhD, a researcher and assistant professor of behavioral medicine in obstetrics and gynecology and psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center. “That’s just not possible. Some stress in our lives, which we all have, is totally to be expected, and we’re not concerned about it being seriously detrimental to the fetal environment.”

Pregnant woman and partner forming a heart over her belly, symbolizing baby name correction by woman.

Image credits: Pixabay (not the actual photo)

Keeping pregnancy more private helps to avoid unnecessary stress from loved ones

To avoid unnecessary stress for the mom and baby, some expectant parents choose not to ask their loved ones for input on the pregnancy or even try to keep the decisions they have already made private.

Pregnancy is a sensitive time where many boundaries are tested, so keeping it more personal allows parents to regain a little bit of control. “Pregnant women are often asked for ‘bump updates’ and given unsolicited advice, so keeping the baby name private can feel like reclaiming a little intimacy,” says psychotherapist Naomi Magnus. “It’s something just for the parents, a secret to savour before everything becomes everyone’s business.”

It also allows for better emotional regulation, notes licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Lilit Ayrapetyan. “It creates space for the expectant parents to process their own feelings without external pressure or judgment. This approach can reduce anxiety triggered by others’ opinions and protect the parents’ autonomy in making decisions about their pregnancy and parenting. For many, privacy facilitates more authentic bonding with their partner and developing baby.”

Keeping boundaries around pregnancy or maintaining privacy during isn’t always as straightforward or easy as it sounds. Family and friends might not understand parents’ need for more space during such an intimate and sensitive time, so some tension or friction might appear between these two parties when parents’ boundaries aren’t respected. In this case, consistency is paramount, says Dr. Ayrapetyan. 

“When boundaries are violated, respond with calm, brief reminders of your needs without extensive justification. Creating a simple script like “We’re not sharing those details right now, but we appreciate your interest” can help in repetitive situations. For persistent boundary-crossers, sometimes reducing contact temporarily may be necessary, while explaining this is about your wellbeing during a vulnerable time, not about rejecting them personally.”

Pregnant woman with partner outdoors, symbolizing woman correcting mother-in-law about baby name origin.

Image credits: JÉSHOOTS (not the actual photo)

That said, keeping a pregnancy more private isn’t for everyone

However, some couples might realize that keeping their family expansion is not for them, as it can bring potential feelings of isolation and lack of support from loved ones.

“Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement, and by keeping your pregnancy from others, you may potentially miss opportunities to celebrate and connect with others. Having support from a healthy network of family and friends can lead to better emotional and physical outcomes for both you and your unborn child,” says licensed clinical social worker at Psychology Partners Group, Emily Mudge.

“If you feel yourself slipping into a depression or feeling socially isolated, there are things you can do that might add value and meaning to your life. Prioritize your self-care regimen by doing things that make you feel good and bring you joy. Should you still be experiencing significant distress, contact a licensed mental health professional for professional support.”

Pregnant woman gently holding belly outdoors in forest, related to woman correcting mother-in-law about baby’s name.

Image credits: Helena Lopes (not the actual photo)

The readers believed that the woman was right to call her MIL out

Woman correcting mother-in-law about baby’s name origin during a heated online discussion thread.

Reddit comments showing a woman defending her role in choosing her baby’s name against mother-in-law’s false claim.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law about the baby’s name claim.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment supporting a woman correcting her mother-in-law over the baby’s name dispute.

Comment discussing woman correcting mother-in-law who falsely claimed credit for baby’s name in family dispute.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law about the baby's name origin.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a husband’s conversation with his mother about a baby’s name dispute.

Commenter responding firmly to mother-in-law, addressing baby’s name claim and family dynamics online.

Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law who claimed she named the baby.

Screenshot of a user comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law about the baby’s name origin.

Screenshot of a woman correcting her mother-in-law who falsely claimed she came up with the baby’s name on a social media post.

Screenshot of online comment discussing a woman correcting mother-in-law about baby’s name with body language advice.

Reddit comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law who claimed credit for baby’s name.

Comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law who falsely claimed she named the baby, addressing family conflict.

Reddit comment discussing a woman correcting mother-in-law who claimed she came up with baby’s name in family dispute.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law who claimed she named the baby.

Comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law about who came up with the baby’s name.

Woman correcting mother-in-law who wrongly claimed she came up with the baby’s name during conversation.

Text comment on a forum post discussing a woman correcting mother-in-law who claimed she came up with baby’s name.

Comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law who falsely claimed credit for baby’s name, addressing family tension.

Comment discussing how a woman corrects mother-in-law who claimed she named the baby, addressing credit and honesty issues.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment praising a woman who corrects mother-in-law over baby name claim.

Screenshot of an online comment where a woman corrects mother-in-law who claimed she named the baby.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment about a woman correcting her mother-in-law over baby naming credit.

Screenshot of an online comment where a woman disagrees with her mother-in-law about the baby’s name origin.

Commenter Juilek responding to a thread about a woman correcting mother-in-law over baby's name claim.

Comment discussing drama about a baby’s name and keeping kids' names a secret until birth.

Comment discussing woman correcting mother-in-law who claimed she came up with baby’s name in family dispute.

Comment from Admirable_Concept817 discussing sensitivity and truth in a mother-in-law baby name correction situation.

Woman correcting mother-in-law in a text conversation about baby’s name credit and family name disputes.

After some time, the woman shared an update:

Woman sitting on white couch at home, talking on phone, illustrating woman correcting mother-in-law about baby’s name.

Image credits: alexlucru123 (not the actual photo)

Text post with update message about comments and verdicts, related to woman correcting mother-in-law who claimed baby’s name.

Text excerpt discussing a woman clarifying her husband's view about baby’s name and mother-in-law involvement.

Text excerpt showing a woman correcting her mother-in-law who claimed she came up with the baby’s name.

Text excerpt showing a woman explaining to her mother-in-law about family decisions regarding baby’s name origins.

Text excerpt showing a woman explaining her emotional connection to a baby’s name amid a mother-in-law dispute.

Text excerpt showing woman corrects mother-in-law who claimed she came up with baby’s name in a heartfelt conversation.

Text on a white background showing a woman expressing gratitude after correcting mother-in-law about baby’s name.

Image credits: Far-Oven-6023

Even though the situation with MIL was resolved, the commenters still had a lot to say

Screenshot of a discussion where a woman corrects mother-in-law over claims about baby’s name decisions.

Woman correcting mother-in-law in a family discussion about who came up with the baby name, highlighting family dynamics.

Woman correcting mother-in-law who claimed she named the baby in a family name dispute online discussion.

Comment thread showing a woman correcting her mother-in-law who claimed she came up with the baby’s name, disputing credit.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law over the baby’s name dispute.

Comment on a forum where a woman responds to her mother-in-law over the baby’s name correction issue.

Commenter SweetBekki discussing a woman correcting mother-in-law about who named the baby in a family argument.

Text post on a social platform about a woman correcting mother-in-law who claimed she named the baby.

Text excerpt discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law who claimed she named the baby.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment where a user supports a woman correcting her mother-in-law about the baby’s name claim.

Woman corrects mother-in-law over baby’s name, addressing family conflict and truth about naming decision.

Comment praising woman who corrects mother-in-law for falsely claiming she named the baby, fostering better family ties.

Comment on a forum, text reading a woman corrects mother-in-law who claimed she came up with baby’s name conversation.

Comment discussing a woman correcting her mother-in-law about the baby’s name and family tensions.

Comment discussing woman correcting mother-in-law who falsely claimed credit for baby’s name and family drama involved.

Screenshot of an online comment where a woman replies to her mother-in-law about the baby’s name dispute.

Comment from ailweni discussing family involvement and proxy naming in relation to woman correcting mother-in-law about baby's name.

Text conversation about woman correcting mother-in-law who claimed credit for baby’s name, discussing boundaries and apologies.

Screenshot of a comment about a woman correcting her mother-in-law over the claim of naming the baby.

Comment discussing a woman who corrects her mother-in-law's claim about coming up with the baby’s name.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!