I wasn’t quite sure where to post this, but figured this was the best place.
A dear friend recently asked if I’d be the legal guardian to her child should anything happen to her and her husband. After discussing it all carefully, I said yes, but got to thinking about what the child would actually call me? (Obviously I truly hope this never comes to pass, but then the name-nerd in me got curious about the answer) Does anyone have any advice or experience with this? The only person I know who became a legal guardian was already the baby’s grandmother, so that was pretty easy.
My best thought was either “Aunt” or just by my first name, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?
Hmm, interesting. Aunt would be my instinct, especially if the child was much younger when you assumed guardianship. For an older child, I’d go with whatever they feel comfortable with, so probably just a first name.
I would expect them to call me by my first name. However, I do love Garnie that comes from Guardian from the book ‘Ballet Shoes’ if the child was younger or just liked that anyway.
I think the easiest would be whatever they are already used to calling you. If your friend has her children use Aunt for you (I called my grandparents best friends Aunt and Uncle as a child) or your first name or another pet name that emerges over time.
I would think keeping any sense of continuity would be goal #1.
Yes, that’s a great point. I just wondered if there were any usual examples, but I suppose since most children call their parents friends “aunt/uncle” that is likely the best option.