We just had an interesting discussion with our boys (both adopted) about why they need to call us mommy and daddy (actually it's MOM,in a demanding tone, and papa in a sweet give me what I want tone). What would you say? Allot of parents allow their kids to call them by their fist names. I think names, and titles communicate respect. They don't call their teachers by their first name. The say Mrs. SO and So... This is a sign of respect. We also make our kids say please and thank you. We are so extremely old fashioned. When they do something wrong we make them (and I mean make them...because to Philip it is a fate worse then death) say sorry! It is all about learning respect. You may disagree with me on this one. Anyway, that's how we do it around here. Besides I like to be called MOM. There are not too many people who get to call me that. Many can call me Amy. I am not willing to give up the title, I like it!