So, like every parent out there at one stage or another, I’ve been left wondering recently where my little babies have gone! They are growing up too fast, they seem to have been replaced by two actual walking, talking human beings with personalities and little lives of their own! (I know, how very dare they!)
This also lead to the startling reality that I’m now in my 30’s – the two are definitely linked!
The old adage about time flying was really brought home to me yesterday when my husband and I were out with our toddler who was running along in front. She obviously saw something fascinating that she wanted to share with us and turned to shout:
‘Muuum’ ‘Daaaad’…
The first thing that struck me was how fast a broad Yorkshire accent develops and the second was…’Mum’…’Dad’…WTF!
What happened to Mummy, Daddy and the occasional, ever so sweet, Mama?
When did we become Mum and Dad to our two year old?
Maybe there are others out there who don’t mind the abbreviated version – but I do and it made me really sad!
Our eldest has started slipping into ‘Mum and Dad’ mode – I get it, she’s seven (one of her friends even calls her parents by their first names which I find a bit creepy!). I can also see this is where her little sister is getting it from, but I just want to scream Nnooo! I want to put the breaks on. I waited a long time to be a Mummy and I want to hold onto my title a little longer!
Besides, ‘Mum’ makes me feel a bit old. She’ll be asking to borrow the car next!
What do you think? Do you mind what your children call you (within reason of course!!)?
Xx

Michelle Reeves (bodfortea)
19th January 2015 at 12:12 pm (4 years ago)This REALLY resonates with me! My two are growing up so fast and I’m with you – we waited so long for our eldest with years of fertility treatment and now they years seem to be slipping by so quickly! Don’t get me wrong some days I can’t wait for them both to be eating, sleeping and pooing without assistance but then they’ll climb into my lap for a snuggle and I just want to put the moment in a box and cherish it forever. Lovely, lovely post x
Claire
19th January 2015 at 4:21 pm (4 years ago)I think I’ve totally forgotten that my youngest will one day sleep (and poo) without assistance – I must keep telling myself to keep the faith!! I came across my eldest’s school photo from last year, compared to this year the difference is startling
where’s that magic break when you need it!! The snuggles make up for pretty much anything in life don’t they!
Xx
Louise
21st January 2015 at 11:33 am (4 years ago)Oh I know just what you mean. I get the occasional moment of my eldest calling me “Mum” and I just correct her until she says “Mummy” instead! She’s only 3 – I’m definitely not ready to be “Mum” just yet! x
Claire
22nd January 2015 at 12:35 pm (4 years ago)I got a ‘Mama’ today and it made my day!!
Xx
Kate @ Family Fever
21st January 2015 at 4:55 pm (4 years ago)I much prefer Mummy to Mum – Mum makes me feel like they are all grown up!
Robin
21st January 2015 at 8:00 pm (4 years ago)They do grow up way to fast, and I just try to cherish every moment that I can!
Claire
22nd January 2015 at 12:36 pm (4 years ago)I’m aware of the time flying so much faster with my youngest, scary isn’t it! Xx
jenny
21st January 2015 at 10:04 pm (4 years ago)I am the same I make my three year old and almost two year old still call me Mommy or Momma! I refuse to her MOM yet or ever. I still call my Mom Momma. It just is what we do. lol And I am struggling to listen to their broad lancashire accent when I am American. Its hard having your children sound NOTHING like you. They grow up so fast though don’t they? I fear I will be sending my to lessons to speak properly. hahahaha Great post. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Claire
22nd January 2015 at 12:45 pm (4 years ago)I can imagine that must be really strange – at least I can take some responsibility for my children’s accents!
I’m sure mine have cottoned on that I don’t like ‘mummy’ and tease me by using it!
Xx
Sarah Christie
21st January 2015 at 10:07 pm (4 years ago)I must say I was upset when Mummy and Daddy turned to Mum and Dad too x
Claire
22nd January 2015 at 12:46 pm (4 years ago)I’m glad I’m not the only one!
Xx
Merlinda Little ( @pixiedusk)
22nd January 2015 at 6:26 pm (4 years ago)My son usually call me by my first name and when he is tired and needs a cuddle I am Mum/Mummy.
I am okay whatever he calls me really as long as its not bad and he uses it with love =)
#sharewithme
Claire
26th January 2015 at 2:32 pm (4 years ago)I completely agree – as long as it’s always used with love we’ll be ok!
Xx
Renee @ Mummy Tries
22nd January 2015 at 7:45 pm (4 years ago)I feel the same, really dislike being called Mum. Mine often call me mama which I much prefer. It definitely does go too fast though, doesn’t seem possible that my eldest will be turning six this year xx
Claire
26th January 2015 at 2:35 pm (4 years ago)Mama makes my heart melt on the spot – I can usually get a ‘mama’ if it’s either really early in the morning or they want something!
I’m positively indignant that my eldest daughter will be eight this year – don’t you just wish we could hit the brakes!
Xx
Maria
23rd January 2015 at 1:05 pm (4 years ago)I have yet to experience the transition from Mommy to Mom. In our house, I’m still mama to my one year old. But I do understand the the notion of time fleeing when your children do or say something new. I would like to be called mama for all eternity, but I know that’s not going to happen. And when that day finally comes, when mama turns into just mom…I’ll be just as shocked and devastated as you
Claire
26th January 2015 at 2:36 pm (4 years ago)I’m so glad it isn’t just me!
Xx
Honest mum
23rd January 2015 at 6:38 pm (4 years ago)Oh gosh I feel the same and agree with the comments-it does all feel so fast doesn’t it, not at 3am when my toddler doesn’t want to sleep though, that, then feels like it’s all going soooo slowly! Thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogposts
Claire
26th January 2015 at 2:37 pm (4 years ago)How very true!
We came across some forgotten photographs at the weekend from when my eldest daughter was a baby – it just blew my mind how quickly the time has gone!
Xx
Crystal
24th January 2015 at 7:33 pm (4 years ago)The blog I shared via the Share with Me blog hop is just a few years further down the road than yours. I feel just the same about my ones that are still little though!
Claire
26th January 2015 at 2:41 pm (4 years ago)I think they’ll always be our ‘little’ ones won’t they, however big they get!
Xx