We spent months choosing his name. My in-laws call him 'Chintu' and nothing else, and now he turns his head for Chintu faster than for his own name. My partner thinks it's harmless and sweet. I think we're going to end up with a 30 year old Chintu. Is this just what happens in every family, or did anyone manage to keep the real name in use?
Every family. Our son had a pet name from his grandmother that stuck until he started school, and then he told everyone at home to stop using it in front of his friends 🙂 School did the job for us.
That's reassuring and slightly sad at the same time. I don't mind the pet name at home, I just want his own name to be the one he learns first.
As a primary teacher I can say it's very common for small children to arrive knowing a pet name better than their registered one. In my classes they adjust within a week or two of hearing the real name every day. I wouldn't worry about the long term. I'd just make sure you and your partner use his name consistently.
Talked to my partner after reading these. We'll use his name ourselves and leave the grandparents to their Chintu. Not a battle worth picking.
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