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Yes, I'm a Mom— But That's Not My Name

By M. Morris, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 23, 2009 5:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – The latest trend in nomenclature rings false to at least one person who recently realized that "Mom" has become "the now generic name for every female parent in our country." Thinking it over, Anne Albeck dates the phenomenon to the early '90s, but familiarity—and overfamiliarity—really does breed contempt. "Being called Mom by everyone from the shoe store clerk to the pediatrician is a little too intimate for me," Albeck writes for the Chicago Tribune.

"This appears to be an adult aberration," she observes. Kids know the power of Mom, even if nobody's getting tattled on: "That's a name reserved for a very special person in his life." She knows she's overreacting, and "all of these grown-ups calling me Mom aren't trying to be rude or inappropriate." Acknowledges Albeck: "Apparently what most people want to call me is anal."

"Being called Mom by everyone from the shoe store clerk to the pediatrician is a little too intimate for" Anne Albeck. (©Hankish)

People--namely adults--who insist on addressing her as "Mom" get Anne Albeck's goat. (©emilywjones)

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Showing 3 of 19 comments

plstyle

Oct 25, 2009 12:24 PM CDT

@ Deebles: good one!

plstyle

Oct 25, 2009 12:11 PM CDT

Bleebloo, It really depends on the person. First off nobody's worshiping babys. As far as wanting to be defined as a parent, whos saying the this? and if one wants this so what? I do have to disagree with you on the importance of being a "good parent". Its not overated, and thats the main fuKen problem with people having kids today. If you don't want to put in the time and care to raise a child right, do everybody a favor and get a fucken abortion!

Thinker

Oct 24, 2009 12:52 PM CDT

Sacred? Really?! Reader's comment reminds me of the Onion headline, "Miracle of Birth Occurs for the 6 Billionth Time."

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More Newser Stories

Kids Have Been Short on Sleep for 100 Years

At least if official recommendations are any guide

To Curb Obesity, Give Babies Finger Food

Don't feed them pureed meals: study

Nurturing Moms Help Kids' Brains Grow

Children of caring mothers have larger hippocampi: study

Teen Tweeter Is No Hero

It's up to parents to insist on civil disagreement: Ruth Marcus

Steve Jobs OKed Bio So His Kids Could 'Know Him'

'I wasn't always there for them,' he told biographer

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

parenting • children • parents • family • name • moms • mother

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Kids Have Been Short on Sleep for 100 Years

At least if official recommendations are any guide

To Curb Obesity, Give Babies Finger Food

Don't feed them pureed meals: study

Nurturing Moms Help Kids' Brains Grow

Children of caring mothers have larger hippocampi: study

Teen Tweeter Is No Hero

It's up to parents to insist on civil disagreement: Ruth Marcus

Steve Jobs OKed Bio So His Kids Could 'Know Him'

'I wasn't always there for them,' he told biographer

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?