[papapoochie]

I have a quick question and am seeking the expertise of my fellow posters.

My ds is nearing 3 years old and is fairly gregarious w/others. Lately, whenever we are out he asks others, ie, the cashier at the market, or a stranger, "what's your name?" They answer, Jane, Sarah, etc, but then he gets really upset

that their name is not Ross Train, Bambi, or some other object he fancies at the time.

We are GD parents so we just try to talk to him and remind him that it would be a rare instance to actually find someone named Ross Train or Bambi, etc.

It's not such a major issue, but it can be a bit unnerving when he gets so upset that this person is not names Bambi, etc. Also, I think it startles these strangers.

Any suggestions will be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[maya44]

Well, as for a "Bambi" have you considered taking him to a stip club. NO NO. I am kidding.

I am sure I will get flamed for this. I am fairly GD, but sometimes I just have to deal with these situations in my own way..So what I do would be to say something like:

"Please, darling, try not to be crazy. It's really going to be hard to find an adult named Ross Train. I mean what kind of mom would name their kid Ross Train. Well maybe when you have a child YOU can name him Ross Train. Til then I think you are kind of out of luck"

I say this sort of thing, very matter of factly. My kids have always responded well to it. I think they know have my sarcastic sense of humor about stuff and they like when I talk to them like this.

 

[mpeel]

I have a little different sense of humor but would handle it about the same - "Sweetie, I know you want to find someone named X. But, it is not a common name. I am not sure we will meet someone by that name soon. You can keep asking though."

 

[TortelliniMama]

How about reversing roles while playing at home? Ask him what his name is, and then make a big production out of being very dramatic and silly in your extreme disappointment that he's not named Ottoman Sunshine or whatever. It might defuse some of his tension. It could also be interesting to have a stuffed animal nearby so that you can "whisper" (loudly enough for your son to hear) "Oh, I hope this boy is named (whatever)!" That would give him some control over at least the play version of the situation, since then he'd get to decide whether to say the name you want or not. He might also want to play himself and you play the other people. Good luck! It doesn't sound like you'll get bored with him around!