What to Call People?

It was common when I was a child NOT to have a small child address adults by first names.
Distant older relatives, no matter the relation were "Aunt" and Uncle" as were close friends of the family.
The more aged ones were "Grampa so and so" And Grandma so and so.
To me it is entirely appropriate for your child to so address these older inlaws.
My three year old grandson refers to my best friend as "Grammie Jan" and to another as Aunt Betsey, same as my children did. Except Jan was Aunt Jan to mine of course.
If there was a neighbor , not exactly a close friend we called them Miss Jane, or Miss whoever. Unless they preferred Miss Anderson ect.
Aquaintances were Mr. and Mrs. whoever.
My children's friends who came to visit often called me Mother Lowell ( still do) and when I got older the youngsters of these children call me Grandmother Lowell.
The thing was, we were not allowed to call adults by first names and I see no harm, nor any reason why children should not be raised with that respect for their elders.
It establishes a base for respect for authority, yes? Not enough of that today I think. At least, I do not see very much of it going around.
Your son is three years old. He knows who his blood grandparents are. Or if he doesnt he will soon figure it out , even ask you about it and you can explain it is a respectful way to address older people in his life.
This takes nothing away from his true grandparents.

Best wishes and God bless
Grandmother Lowell

I have a 3-year old too, and she definitely seems to get who is in her family and who is not (like my very best friends, her day care teachers, etc.). That being said, I think it's best to teach your son that it IS respectful to call them by their first names - better than calling them aunt/uncle and getting confused, or calling them nothing at all! You could explain that while they are not related to him as grandparents, aunts or uncles, they are very special, and he should treat them with respect and affection because he feels close to them. Kids at this age can understand that some people are more near and dear to you and to them than other people, even if they aren't technically family. Kids are so adaptable and go off your encouragement and vibe no matter what, so have fun hanging out with them and enjoy!

Does Sue and Jon have grandkids already? I'm sure they meant well as to what to call them, but if you are not comfortable, which I dont think you are since you are questioning it, then dont do it. You never know either what your parents, or your husbands parents would feel about this too. What do you call them? By their first names? I think your son should do the same ......... he will come across many adults in his lifetime that he may infact just call by their first names, I know my son's friends call me by my first name. You are the parent, do what you feel is best!!
Good Luck

Hi A.!I think he should call them by their names,I call my sisters mil and fil by their 1st names,I think its odd if they call them grandma/granpa,What does your sister think?Are they real close w/your son??I just think thats a strange request of them to ask!!Anyway,see what your sister says....let us know what happens!!Good Luck

My children call everyone who isn't a direct relative Mr/Mrs So-and-so. Call me old fashioned, but I think it teaches children that adults are different from peers, and that we need to respect them.

If you don't like that, ask them when they'd like to be called.