‘You can call me Maddalyn’

Yesterday, the kids and I explored a new hiking trail that’s walking distance from my apartments. Maddie wanted to hold my hand most of the hike; that was new. Something else new was that she suggested I call her by her whole first name.

While on the trail, I told her something, and she said “You can call me ‘Maddalyn’.” I looked down at her, smiled, and asked “Do you like being called Maddalyn more than Maddie? She said yes to affirm that Maddalyn is indeed the ideal name.

It’s important to her

I’ll call her Maddalyn instead of Maddie because I appreciate that she is willing to speak up about what she wants. That’s gold. That’s a beautiful quality I don’t want to dim in her.

Of course, I could’ve told her that I’ll call her whatever I want because I’m dad, and I gave her name, and all that. But I think taking that approach would enforce the idea that it’s not ok for her to speak up when she’s uncomfortable with something. She’s going to need that quality and life skill to navigate and dominate a man’s world.

I’d prefer it becomes a habit of hers.