A grandmother has sought advice from the syndicated advice column Dear Abby regarding a dispute over a nickname for her 2-year-old grandson. The grandmother, identified as "Nickname in the East," is upset because her grandson has begun calling her "Mimi," a name already claimed by his other grandmother.
According to the column, the grandson's mother, the daughter-in-law of the letter writer, is also displeased with the situation. She reportedly does not want the child to be called "Mimi" by both grandmothers and is also resistant to the writer being called "Mom-Mom" because she herself is called "Ma-Ma."
The grandmother seeking advice highlighted her significant role in the child's life since his birth, noting that she has been an active caregiver. She contrasted this with the other "Mimi," who lives far away and reportedly makes little effort to be involved in the grandchild's life, even by phone. The writer suggested that the other grandmother uses the "Mimi" moniker primarily for social media appearances.
Feeling that the situation is "silly" but still upset, the grandmother questioned if her feelings were unwarranted. She explained the practical need for a simple name for the child to use when they are at playgrounds and separated. She also expressed a belief that a child can have two grandmothers with the same nickname, drawing a parallel to her own experience of having "two moms" growing up.
Dear Abby, penned by Jeanne Phillips, advised that while more than one "Mimi" could be confusing, the relationship with the grandchild is paramount. Abby suggested that the grandmother allow the other grandmother to keep the name "Mimi" and instead collaborate with the boy to choose a new, special nickname for herself. This collaborative approach, Abby noted, would make it easier for the child to remember and feel more connected to the new name.
The column also addressed other reader queries, including one from a stepfather frustrated by his financially-minded stepson's reluctance to pay for his own expenses, and another from a resident of a senior living center concerned about a manager's unsanitary handshake habit. The advice provided in these separate matters underscored communication and direct, polite approaches to sensitive situations.