I'm just wondering what you all think. A PP got me thinking (Cora the Whore-a)....
I am a teacher and have worked with lots and lots of kids. I don't know if it is the area where I live or what, but I have NEVER heard of a students name being picked on. I am thinking that since there are so many unique names around that maybe they are just common now?
I am sure to some extent name calling/being made fun of still happens, but I have never witnessed it (other than the occasional rhyme). My DH grew up with the nn Gerbil since we could never say his real name as little kids, but it wasn't to make fun of him.
What are your experiences?
EDIT: I guess I am wondering if it is just in our heads that kids will be made fun of because it happened more frequently when we were kids??
Re: kids making fun of names
This. Why would kids make fun of other kids in front of a teacher? They wait until teachers aren't around.
DD1 born 5/24/10.
Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.
DD2 born 5/14/13.
Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.
Yeah it happens. But I don't think it's worth someone deciding against a name they actually want for their kid. And if you teach your kid not to let it bother them when other kids do it then it's not a big deal. Kids will only continue to do it if they see it gets a rise out of the other kid.
My name is Stephanie (though everyone now calls me Stevie) when I was in elementary school and someone would call me "Step-on-Me" it worked to my advantage because I'd say "Okay" and proceed to step on them, that shut em up real quick
Raeleigh Elizabeth http://theturnerpage.blogspot.com/
This! And to PP's saying that as teacher's, we just don't realize it's happening- trust me, children "tattle" about EVERYTHING!!!! I'd generally hear about it if a child was being made fun of.....you should read what ends up in the "tattle boxes" at my school :-)
Honestly, I think there's kids who are going to be teasers, kids who are going to be teased, and kids who manage to avoid the fray. The kids who are being picked on could be named "John Smith" and they'll get made fun of for clothes or shoes or whatever, and a big enough bully could be named *** McPicklebottom and no one would say a darn thing.
That was my experience in school, anyway. I do think it's unlikely kids will make fun of other kids in front of the teacher, but there's a lot of observant teachers who still know what's going on, anyway.
ETA: Really, Bump? I can type out ass but not D!ck?
The thing is- if they want to make fun of you- it doesn't matter what your name is- if you are a vulnerable kid in a unprotected situation- your parents can't name you "well enough" to protect you from bullies. I do think that times have changed a lot in regards to tolerance of bullies in school- but I'm sure there is still plenty going on.