Awkward Moment

Mother.

1. To give birth to; create and produce.

2. To watch over, nourish, and protect maternally.

 

That term...mom, mommy..is a special one. 

As a foster parent, though, it can be tricky. What a child calls you and how their parent responds...it is just sensitive.

(A) calls me mommy. When he first joined our family, he called everyone mommy...even men. However, now he uses mommy for only two women. His mom and me. 

This afternoon, we had an awkward moment. Here is a glimpse into how I messed up in my response because of my concern for how his mom might feel.

Me: "(A), you need to listen to your mommy."

(A): "No, YOU'RE my mommy!"

Me: "No silly, that's your mommy." 

(A): "NO, YOU'RE my mommy!"

Me: "Well, yeah, I'm your foster mommy."

(A)'s Mom: "You have two mommies." 

Me (thankful that she said the exact thing I would have said had she not been there and feeling guilty at my response): "Yes, you have two mommies who love you very much." 

And that was the end of the awkward moment, but I am sure it will not be the last!