In a 1971 episode of the classic television show, “The Brady Bunch,” the eldest son, Greg, attempts to assert his newly acquired “manhood” by requesting his own bedroom, money for new clothes, and permission to skip a family camping trip. However, when he takes the daring step of addressing his parents by their first names during breakfast, his father sternly reminds him that they are still “Mom” and “Dad.” Surprisingly, this trend of first-naming parents has persisted to this day, often leading to disapproval and outrage from traditionalists.
Although this behavior is aberrant on a global scale, children from nearly every culture have specific words for “mom” and “dad.” Experts suggest that the continued use of “mom” and “dad” in older children is due to their usefulness as parental designators that help maintain healthy family dynamics. In contrast, first-naming parents can alter traditional relationships and may even create emotional distance or serve as a form of rebellion.
Children may learn this practice from their peers or from their parents, who may wish to establish equality or friend-like relationships within the household. However, parents who weaponize first names as a means of manipulating shared custody or influencing the child’s affectionate ties may exacerbate already difficult family situations.
Nevertheless, using first names for parents is generally harmless and may simply be a way for teenagers to assert their independence, akin to the rebellious actions of Greg Brady. It challenges traditional norms and forces individuals to reflect on their own autopilot practices. Ultimately, this trend is unlikely to disappear anytime soon and will continue to evoke shock and cringes from those who adhere to traditional familial nomenclature.
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