We all know that baby naming can be a tricky business.
There’s the mother-in-law who attempts to list all the names SHE doesn’t like; the great aunt who refuses to spell the name YOUR way; and the friends who continue to pronounce it incorrectly, despite being ‘gently reminded’ numerous times. And that’s if you’re lucky enough to have decided on a name for your baby.
It’s understandable why some parents are anxious about revealing their baby name. And it’s easy to be dismissive of the struggle. Yes, it’s your baby and your choice of name, but steeling yourself adequately against any negative opinions isn’t easy when you are more than a little hormonal.
Even the most reasonable family members are sometimes surprised by the baby names our generation is choosing. But the truth is that names have always been subject to trends. So although there is a lot of ‘handwringing’ about those crazy parents calling their baby a crazy name, chances are our oldies were subject to this kind of stress back in their baby-rearing day. It’s just they seem to have forgotten the struggle.
If you’re anticipating a great deal of fuss over something that is none of anyone else’s business, here are nine ways to deal with that:
1) Let them sweat – A personal favourite here at HerFamily.ie. Don’t tell them the name (or your ideas for names) until the baby is born. Practice saying, “We have a few favourites, but we’re going to wait until the baby is born to decide and announce.” It’s no guarantee you won’t hear negative comments, but it does mean that criticism is less likely to change your decision. Plus, the satisfaction you’ll feel at their frustration is priceless. Trust me.
2) Perspective – Tell them the baby’s name is something peculiar so when you reveal the actual name, it will seem perfectly ‘normal’ to them. Plus, their face when you tell them you’re calling their grandchild Awesome or Shady. Again, priceless.
3) Make an offer – Instead of giving prizes for guessing the correct name, offer prizes to those who only have nice things to say about your choice. When we say prize we don’t mean anything too valuable – like the role of Godparent etc.
4) Make a video – If you decide to get creative like the couple below, your rellies and mates will be so freaked out by the fact your bump has become a Magic Eight Ball (what the?!), they won’t even remember the name, or the fact they hate it.
5) Or better still – Make a song…
6) Use their input – Since friends and family have SO much interest in the baby’s name, bring a bit of excitement to the matter – for you, at least. Ask for their ideas so they think they’re helping to choose a name when really you’re adding their ideas to your blacklist. Alternatively, you could just use THEIR blacklist to help you decide on a name you want to use.
7) Pass the buck – Tell them your other child picked the name. Or get your other child to announce it. Surely they can’t think anything negative when a child is to blame.
8) Back-up plan – If anyone continues to be negative about your baby’s name (and they probably will), thank them for continuing to share their opinion, and let them know you’re going to stick with the name for now, but if they continue to put you off you might change it later down the line. You won’t, of course, but hopefully the thought of the child’s name being changed when they are school age or older (because of them) will make them stop.
9) Stick to your guns – Choosing a baby name is a lot like falling in love. You know when you’ve found The One. Don’t change your mind because someone stupid is trying to put you off. Chances are you’ll only end up regretting it later down the line.
