Man Upset Wife Kicked Out His Mom From Dinner When She Kept Calling Their Son A Different Name

Parents-to-be spend a lot of time thinking about what their baby’s name is going to be, hoping that it suits their personality and they’ll feel proud to carry it. Putting a whole person’s essence into one word without meeting them is indeed far from easy so when parents finally settle on a name, they expect everyone to respect their decision, even if they don’t find it to their liking. 

However, when these parents called their son Elijah, one of the grandmothers blatantly refused to use his real name and even gave him one that, in her opinion, suited him better. The mom was completely flabbergasted by her gall, which pushed her to kick her out of her home.

Scroll down to find the full story and conversation with Alex Anderson-Kahl, a nationally certified school psychologist, and licensed clinical psychologists Dr. Caroline Danda and Dr. Jephtha Tausig, who kindly agreed to tell us more about the importance of calling children by their real names.

When parents give their child a name, they expect everyone to use it and respect it

Grandmother with grandson on a patterned sofa, both smiling, showcasing family dynamics and relationships.

Image credits: Image-Source / envatoelements (not the actual photo)

However, this MIL did the opposite and even gave a new one to her grandson

DIL confronts MIL for renaming grandson; family tension over son's name Elijah.

Text excerpt discussing MIL's reaction to grandson's name choice.

Text image about MIL renaming grandson Elijah as David, stating it suits him better.

Text conversation where MIL insists on calling her grandson David instead of his actual name Elijah.

Text expressing frustration over MIL giving grandson a random name.

Text detailing a grandmother repeatedly calling her grandson "David," despite family objections.

Text conversation about MIL renaming grandson and causing family tension.

Text about MIL renaming grandson, DIL stands firm, insists on respect, and asks MIL to leave.

Woman in distress in a room, leaning on a door, related to MIL renaming grandson issue.

Image credits: Prostock-studio / envatoelements (not the actual photo)

Text describing a conflict between a MIL and DIL over renaming a grandson.

Text questioning family reactions about MIL renaming grandson and DIL's response.

Image credits: LittlePeach212

“Using a child’s real name shows respect for their identity and helps them feel recognized as individuals”

Man speaking to a young boy in plaid shirts, near a decorated Christmas tree, illustrating family conflict over renaming.

Image credits: asier_relampagoestudio / freepik (not the actual photo)

“It is important to respect children regarding their names and how they are referred to,” said licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jephtha Tausig to Bored Panda. “Assigning a child a nickname without their consent or approval is not ok and could affect the child’s self-esteem.”

“Using a child’s real name shows respect for their identity and helps them feel recognized as individuals,” further explained Alex Anderson-Kahl, a nationally certified school psychologist. “It is also important because of labeling theory, which says that the way we label or name people can affect how they see themselves and how others see them. By calling a child by their real name, we honor who they are, help them build a sense of self-worth, and encourage a positive classroom or community environment.”

When it comes to giving children nicknames, experts say that it can be harmless and fun. However, this can quickly change depending on the person and their intent. Anderson-Kahl says that it’s usually not a good idea for adults to give children nicknames without making sure the child and parents are fine with it.

“Some nicknames can be fun or kind, but others can hurt a child’s feelings or make them feel awkward. When we give someone a name they do not like, we may be giving them a label that can impact how they are treated or how they view themselves. Asking for permission first shows respect and helps avoid problems that might come from an unwanted nickname,” he said.

“It is important to choose words and names carefully and show respect for each child’s preferences”

Young boy in a blue shirt crossing arms, standing in a cozy room with a teddy bear and books on a shelf.

Image credits: prostock-studio / freepik (not the actual photo)

Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Caroline Danda said that a nickname that highlights a kid’s negative traits, especially those related to appearance, is never appropriate. When assigning a moniker, she believes it’s important to make sure that the person is okay with it.

“If the person doesn’t like being called that nickname, then it clearly shouldn’t be used. Adults should step in to ask other adults to refrain from using the nickname,” she said. If the child is old enough, Dr. Danda also suggests that parents teach children to be more assertive by roleplaying so they can say something if someone is using a nickname on them they dislike.

“For example, telling a friend that they don’t like that nickname. If the nickname given is more mean-spirited, sometimes it’s best to ignore it and walk away, particularly if being assertive backfires and leads to peers using it more because they know it bothers the child. Teaching the child to have a “whatever” attitude can be very effective in stopping unwanted behaviors, such as using a nickname,” she explained.

Overall, it’s important to carefully think about giving a child a nickname, as it has the potential to negatively affect them. “Nicknames can have different effects on children,” said Anderson-Kahl.

“A friendly nickname that a child enjoys may make them feel special and included. However, a mean or teasing nickname can lower a child’s self-esteem and even lead to bullying. Because of labeling theory, we know that labels can shape a child’s self-image, so it is important to choose words and names carefully and show respect for each child’s preferences,” he concluded.

The mom provided more context about husband’s and MIL’s relationship in the comments

Reddit comments discussing a MIL renaming grandson, with users reacting to the situation.

Comment exchange discussing MIL renaming grandson, DIL upset and removes her.

Some readers were on the mom’s side

Text exchange about MIL renaming grandson randomly, DIL's frustration visible in her response.

Reddit comment suggesting to rename family members "David" in response to MIL renaming grandson.

MIL renaming grandson with something random, DIL responds on an online forum discussing family dynamics and boundaries.

Comment on MIL renaming grandson, labeled NTA, criticizing husband's behavior.

Text discussing disrespectful behavior from MIL about renaming grandson, DIL justified in asking her to leave.

User comment about grandmother training dogs with a water pistol for misbehavior.

User comment discussing MIL and husband issues, referencing mother-in-law dynamics.

Text comment discussing renaming MIL with a nickname, humorously referencing Scottish names.

User comment on MIL renaming grandson, agreeing with DIL's decision, stating respect for parental choices.

Comment criticizing disrespectful behavior in a family disagreement.

Reddit comment discussing MIL renaming grandson with a completely random name and the DIL's reaction.

Reddit comment criticizing MIL for being out of line and husband for not supporting DIL.

Reddit comment about MIL renaming grandson, DIL's frustration, and husband's role.

Comment about MIL renaming grandson, expressing frustration over perceived ownership.

Comment criticizing husband for not supporting wife in a family dispute over grandson's random renaming.

Reddit comment discussing MIL renaming grandson with a random name, suggesting to call MIL a different name in return.

Comment criticizing MIL for renaming grandson, suggesting DIL's action to remove disrespect from family dynamics.

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Online comment discussing MIL renaming grandson and being kicked out; advice on setting boundaries.

While others had a different perspective

Comment discussing MIL renaming grandson, calling it an overreaction to ask her to leave.

Text conversation about a MIL renaming her grandson and the consequences of it.

Text exchange discussing a mother-in-law renaming issue and suggesting couple counseling.

Reddit comment discussing consequences for MIL renaming grandson, advising taking a break until apology.

Comment discussing MIL renaming grandson, defending her choice and addressing DIL's reaction.

Text screenshot discussing family nicknames and name changes.

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