There’s just something about being addressed as “Momma” that sends shivers down my spine. It’s one of those inexplicable cringe-inducing moments akin to nails scraping a chalkboard or the sound of a fork against a plate. It’s cloying, and that’s the best word I can muster to describe it.
Each evening, I silently thank the parenting deities that I transitioned directly from “Mama” to “Mom,” bypassing “Mommy” entirely.
Why This Aversion?
Why this aversion exists remains a mystery. I hear “Mommy” constantly in the parenting realm without a second thought, but when it comes from my own beloved children, it’s a different story. The very mention makes the hairs on my neck stand up, and a chill zips down my spine. For me, the word “Mommy” evokes the same visceral response as whining: If this doesn’t stop immediately, I might just lose my cool.
My kids are well aware of this and often use it to their advantage. Whether they’re being sarcastic, seeking something, or trying to earn the title of Most Annoying Child of the Year, they opt for “Mommy” because they know it’ll grab my attention.
Imagine reading the following in the most irritating voice possible:
- “Sorry about that Momma, sometimes you just have to let it out.”
- “Momma, how about M&Ms for breakfast?”
- “C’mon Momma, just one more minute!”
While this tactic may not always get them what they desire, it certainly tightens my jaw.
Why I Dislike “Momma”
So, please—don’t call me Momma. The term feels overly sweet, almost sickeningly so. It carries a sense of patronization and cultural associations that I struggle to shake off. Take, for instance, the movie Mommie Dearest, a cinematic horror that traumatized a generation of kids. When I think of “Mommy,” the image of Joan Crawford’s arched eyebrows invades my mind, and it’s not pretty.
People often dismiss the term “Mommy.” It’s a label for novelty onesies, adorning Precious Moments figurines, or referring to those matching outfits for mothers and their children. There’s a certain silliness and fragility to it that makes it easy to overlook.
A “Mommy” might give you a hug and tell you how special you are, but she doesn’t enforce rules like your mother will. She doesn’t set you straight the way a mom does.
I can be nurturing and playful when the moment calls for it, but more often, I’m about tough love and getting things done. I’m simply not “Mommy” material.
Final Thoughts
So, if you fancy the idea of munching on M&Ms for breakfast—which, let’s be honest, isn’t entirely off the table—here’s a piece of advice: steer clear of calling me Momma. If you’re interested in learning more about alternative ways to start a family, check out this insightful post on Cervical Insemination, and for those looking to purchase at-home insemination kits, Cryobaby offers a reputable selection. Also, for further information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource from the Cleveland Clinic on IVF and Fertility Preservation.
In summary, while “Momma” may be a beloved title for many, it’s just not for me. I prefer to be called “Mom.”
Leave a Reply