Depending on how you get along with your mother-in-law, it might not matter how to choose a baby name she won’t hate! You may actually prefer to choose a name that drives her crazy. Sarcasm aside, choosing a baby name can be a daunting task because, as you know, everyone wants to have a say.
A name says a lot, and usually has personal meaning. Our society names children after grandparents or other loved ones because of how they impacted this world. The reasons go on and on, but in the end, you should truly be happy with your choice. You might receive pressures from the grandparents because they want their grandchild to have a combination of Grandma Gertrude and Grandma Selma’s names (Germa? Seltrude??), and you may agree, but just ensure you are doing it because that is what you and your mate want.
You have to remember that your child is going to live with the name for the rest of his or her life. I apologize for pointing out the obvious, but I too got wrapped up in bizarre names just because I could. Well what’s bizarre? This topic is really subjective, so here are some general tips on how to choose a baby name.
Listen to Family that Wants to Have Input
It might be time consuming, but remember these are the people that are going to help you raise your child. You don’t have to choose the name that they suggest, but to avoid conflict, just listen.
Use the Middle Name to Satisfy Family Wishes
Thank goodness for the middle name! Maybe you couldn’t stand naming your new daughter Gertrude, but it would be a great middle name! It’s all about compromise. (By the way, I have nothing against the name Gertrude!)
Stand Strong in Your Decision
After you decide the baby’s name, explain to your family that you have come to a choice. Of course you might receive a “push-back”, but they will get over it once they see the beauty and joy of their new family member.
On a personal side note, my son Max is named for a character in my favorite book “Demian” written by Hermann Hesse, and London his middle name, is for my favorite city. I had some “push-back” from my mom on his middle name, but she has learned to love his name because she loves him.
What baby name tips do you have that work to pacify the wishes of relatives?
