Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

Add post form topAdd Post
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Mom Gets Offended That Son Uses His Nickname Instead Of His Actual Name At School, Calls His Teacher
1.5K

Mom Gets Offended That Son Uses His Nickname Instead Of His Actual Name At School, Calls His Teacher

ADVERTISEMENT

Names are special because they’re often intricately connected to a person’s identity and sense of self. Some people love their name because of how it sounds or relates to their character and personality. Folks who don’t like their monikers often use a shortened version or come up with new titles for themselves.

Some parents get offended if their kid doesn’t use their given name. This parent, in particular, got so angry about it that she took up the issue with her teen’s teacher and caused the boy a lot of embarrassment. 

More info: Reddit

Names are bestowed on each person at birth, but ultimately, the individual has the right to choose what they want to be called

Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The teen explained that his name is Alexander, but he frequently goes by Lex, and pretty much everyone calls him that except his mom because she hates his nickname

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: stockking / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The poster’s mom told him that she hates calling him Lex because it sounds like a girly name and that it often feels like he started saying his name but forgot what was next

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: CHUTTERSNAP / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Lex’s mom didn’t know that everyone called him that, including his school, until she saw it written in his school newsletter, which is when she freaked out

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: Educational-Fee-5962

The poster’s mom became so angry about his nickname being used at school that she called the teacher in charge of the newsletter to complain 

Lex shared that his mom often feels that he is trying to discard the name that she had lovingly chosen for him. She has also told him that using the name Alexander would make people take him more seriously. So when she found out about his school using his nickname, she freaked out and called up his teacher. 

In recent times, it’s not just teens like Lex who are requesting that their preferred names be used in schools; many LGBTQ youth are advocating for this as well. There have been several debates and discussions on this issue, with students wishing to have their chosen names and pronouns used by educators without their parents’ knowledge.

According to some lawyers, youth can go about requesting that their preferred names be used by first checking with the school administration. This can be a controversial issue for the school and the policies can differ from one area to the next. That’s why it’s better for the student to find out what protocols exist before making any request.

ADVERTISEMENT

For Lex, maybe he wanted to go by the nickname because of the way it sounded or how it felt to him. But something like this can mean much more to an LGBTQ student who wishes to be known by a name that aligns with their identity. That’s why parents and educators need to be sensitive about the issue and understand that it’s not just about a title.

Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The problem is that Lex’s mom didn’t take the time to understand his perspective at all. It’s possible that she wasn’t aware that she was the only one still using his birth name. It seems like the teen had been hiding this fact from her because he probably knew how she’d react to it.

Mental health advocates state that using a child’s preferred name or pronouns can significantly positively impact the way they feel. It might seem like a minor thing to a caregiver, but it can help affirm the kid’s identity and make them feel loved and cared for. That’s exactly what Lex wanted. Instead, his mom blew up at him for going by his nickname at school.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to the Midlife Mama, “name changes are a normal part of life in our society.” She also gave an example, stating: “do you know how common it is, even in this day and age, for a young woman to change her last name after marriage?”  

Parents might feel heartbroken that their kids don’t want to be known by the name they were given at birth. But if it means that they’ll feel happier, then maybe it’s all worth it in the end. Even commenters voiced the same sentiment and said that the poster’s mom seemed like a narcissist who wanted everything her way.

People were shocked that the mom thought “Lex” sounded girly and gave examples of male characters like Lex Luthor

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Ic_polls

Poll Question

Thanks! Check out the results:

Share on Facebook
Beverly Noronha

Beverly Noronha

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

You can call me Bev! I'm a world-class reader, a quirky writer, and a gardener who paints. If you’re looking for information about tattoos, Bulbasaur, and books, then I'm the NPC you must approach.

Read less »
Beverly Noronha

Beverly Noronha

Writer, BoredPanda staff

You can call me Bev! I'm a world-class reader, a quirky writer, and a gardener who paints. If you’re looking for information about tattoos, Bulbasaur, and books, then I'm the NPC you must approach.

Monika Pašukonytė

Monika Pašukonytė

Author, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

Read less »

Monika Pašukonytė

Monika Pašukonytė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

How should Lex handle his mom's disapproval of his nickname?
Add photo comments
POST
LAS
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you give your child a long name, ie: Alexander or Elizabeth, you are setting them up to have a nickname. My son has a long name, and we started calling him by a nickname before he even started school, I knew he wasn't going to want to have write the whole thing!

Elizabeth Whitehill
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an Elizabeth I have gone by various versions of my name. Now and off and on for the past 17 years or so I have gone by Liz. In fact u can tell how long someone has known me by what they call me

Load More Replies...
Ben Aziza
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh yes Lex Luthor the famous comic book villain who decided to ruin everybody's time because she was jealous of a wholesome alien. Wait that is not a she! That is a bald male sociopath!

Load More Comments
LAS
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you give your child a long name, ie: Alexander or Elizabeth, you are setting them up to have a nickname. My son has a long name, and we started calling him by a nickname before he even started school, I knew he wasn't going to want to have write the whole thing!

Elizabeth Whitehill
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an Elizabeth I have gone by various versions of my name. Now and off and on for the past 17 years or so I have gone by Liz. In fact u can tell how long someone has known me by what they call me

Load More Replies...
Ben Aziza
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh yes Lex Luthor the famous comic book villain who decided to ruin everybody's time because she was jealous of a wholesome alien. Wait that is not a she! That is a bald male sociopath!

Load More Comments
Related on Bored Panda
Related on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda