Cheers? April 1, 2013
Sometimes it can be a little irritating as a parent to simply be known as “mom” or “dad.” You do lose a bit of your identity in parenthood. There is no denying that, especially at daycare or preschool. My daughter’s classmates know me as “Charlotte’s Mommy.” It’s cool, though. I understand. There are lots of mommies and daddies rushing in and out of that place.
I definitely know the names of Charlotte’s friends’ parents and use them. When Charlotte is speaking with them, we at least try to use their first names. “Ms. Jane” or “Mr. Bill” seem to be acceptable for most of them. Besides, I’ve learned two-year-olds are not great at understanding the concept, let alone pronouncing surnames.
Sometimes I just end up being “Charlotte’s Mom” and I can live with that. It’s not a huge deal.
Today, some parents made it a huge deal. The school keeps a basket of crackers at the front desk for the children to snack on and whine about when leaving. The mother of a child in the class behind Charlotte was holding the basket down for her child and Charlotte walked up. The father was standing beside them. She held the basket out to Charlotte.
Me to Charlotte: “Can you say ‘thank you’ to Sally’s Mommy?”
Charlotte said “thank you” and the parents sort of scoffed at me. Then I couldn’t make up what happened next if I tried.
www.etonline.com
The dad started singing the Cheers theme song. Yes, Cheers, as in Sam, Diane, Norm and Cliff. Cheers. He broke out into song with, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.” The way they looked at me I assumed it was because I didn’t use their names. Why else would this guy sing this? Are you kidding me?! Your kid isn’t even in my kid’s class! I think it’s pretty impressive that I know your child’s name, let alone yours. I ushered Charlotte out the door, quickly.
Sir, I suppose you think you’re a clever cool hipster who’s able to recall 1980’s television show references at a moment’s notice. But, please know EVERYONE knows that song and you’re not that clever.
I can’t decide what I’ll call them the next time I see them. But, let me be clear when I say if he EVER irreverently references the phenomenal television legacy that is Cheers, I will go off! Let’s face it. “Making your way in the world today takes everything you got.”
Spread it around:
I used to be really worried about not knowing other parents’ names. I’d talk to them daily and felt bad that I only knew them as “Maddie’s mom”. I’d try to discreetly ask a teacher or someone what their name is. Well I’ve gotten over that – i either say “I talk to you all the time but I don’t know your name, I’m heather!” or I just continue calling them “Whoever’s mom”. Life goes on, i’m not going to fret over not knowing every other parents’ name! Or another less direct way – if there are class pictures involved you can ask how they are listed on FB so you can tag them in pics.
The phrase that readily comes to mind after reading this is: “What-a-douche!” Seriously?! Even IF they had introduced themselves to you before singing the theme to “Cheers” is not the way to “shame” you…saying “Oh I’m Joe, we’ve met before” would probably cover it. I double dog dare you to call him Norm every time you see him from now on.
oh.my. i enjoyed this, amy.
what da fuck?