Baby Name Battles  

It’s hard to believe that a baby’s name could cause strife in a family but it sometimes does.  Choosing just the right name to keep everyone happy can lead to no one being satisfied.  Here are some ways to keep the family from getting heated up. 

When two people announce that they are going to have a baby, the entire family is thrilled.  They have tons of unsolicited advice for the expectant parents.  This advice includes names for the baby.  Relatives mean well, but their advice can sometimes cause friction within the family and between the new parents. 

The expectant parents must make a decision before they tell their families about the new baby:  the name of the baby is off limits.  Suggestions can be made, but the final decision is up to the parents.  Establishing this rule up front will hopefully end any arguments before they start.  If the family members are especially pushy, don’t even allow suggestions from them.   

To soften the blow of this announcement, let each new parent make the announcement to their own families.  This way it looks less like the other person is influencing the decision.  The name of the baby is the right of the expectant parents and not their families. 

What if the family doesn’t like the name that you have chosen?  Don’t give in.  With hormones raging and all of the stress of preparing for a new little one, the new mom and dad will feel the pressure.  Both mom and dad have to keep a united front so that baby name arguments don’t cause major concern in the family.   

The new addition is a cause for celebration not turmoil.  Focus instead on how to furnish the nursery and what clothing to buy.  Families love to be involved in those decisions and since they are of less consequence than a name, encourage family members to give their input in those areas. 

Another strategy to try is a name draw.  The first name is up to the parents of the new baby.  This rule will not change.  But, family members can put their favorite name in the pot for the child’s middle name.  Each family member can have one entry and the parents will draw the winning name.  You can place stipulations on the kind of name entered if you think the family has some outrageous thoughts. 

Baby names shouldn’t become a family horror story.  Keep the peace as much as you can within reason.  Most of all don’t let anything take away from the precious arrival of your new baby.