nametagWhen I was growing up, kids never called adults by their first names -- it was always Mr. This or Mrs. That. In fact, to this day, that's still how I address many of my parents' friends.

But I don't think my 2-year-old daughter has ever even heard those honorifics. She's on a first-name basis with her friends' parents, her kiddie class instructors, and our family friends -- which is how they all introduced themselves to her.

My daughter even calls people I refer to as Mr. and Mrs. by their first names -- at their insistence. They've given me permission to call them by their given names too, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm old-fashioned that way.

Of course she still uses familial titles of respect and endearment -- mom, dad, auntie, grandma, grandpa. (Thank goodness those haven't gone out of style!)

Yet, calling adults by their first names seems to be the norm for all the toddlers I know. They all call me by my first name, which is okay with me since I'm just a kid myself -- but that could change once they're (and I'm) older.

It makes me wonder if Mr. and Mrs. and Ms. even exist anymore when children address adults. Or if it matters. I'm still thinking about it.

Do your children address adults as Mr. or Mrs. or Ms.? All adults or only certain people? Have you asked other adults how they'd like to be addressed? Do you mind if children call you by your first name?