Resolving Naming Conflicts

How to Compromise on Baby's Name

The months leading up to a child's birth are full of emotion, excitement, and in some cases, hormone-fueled spats. One of the most argued about topics between soon-to-be parents is the naming of their unborn child. A child's name should be one that the parents, as well as the child, can appreciate and love for the rest of the child's life. Unfortunately, because of the immensity and finality of the decision, many parents find it extremely difficult to decide.

How to Compromise During the Naming Process:

Many parents choose to name their child after a loved one, an inspirational person, favorite musician, or even a favorite celebrity. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration, the most popular baby names in 2009 were Jacob and Isabella, which happen to be the names of two main characters in the famous Twilight series. This goes to show how much influence the media and the people we admire influence our choice of baby name.

However, it is important for parents to realize that the people they admire, and therefore names they prefer, are going to differ. It is also important to respect these differences. Preferences are what make each person unique and no person is "wrong" for the names that they are naturally drawn to.

When choosing a baby name, parents should take the time, either together or separately, to make a list of all of the names that they like. They should then set aside a specific time to share these names with each other and discuss their options. Many people would be surprised at how much they like their partner's choice of baby names and may even wonder why they had not picked them out themselves. On the other hand, if parents find themselves in the situation where they simply do not like any of the other's choices, it is important to stay calm and avoid criticism. Criticizing the other parent's choices will only put them on the defensive and may make them less willing to compromise.

In the situation where the parents simply cannot compromise, a baby name can be chosen in two different ways. One parent can choose the baby's first name, while the other chooses the middle name or in the case that the parents want to have more than one child, they can take turns naming their children. Parents can also make a game of choosing their baby's name. For example, they could play a game and let the winner have the final say in the naming of their child. This will not only turn the conflict into a pleasant experience, but will work as a bonding activity for the parents.

Baby Name Conflicts: Is There an Underlying Reason?

According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, experiencing conflict and stress during pregnancy can cause a woman to suffer from complications. This is why it is important to understand why these conflicts are arising, as a way of solving them permanently.

When parents are in major conflict over what to name their child, many times there is an underlying issue. Perhaps one parent is feeling neglected or is upset over the other's behavior. Simply opening up the lines of communication may be enough to settle this conflict, while gaining a better understanding of one another. However, if the conflict only seems to escalate, parents may want to seek the help of a professional counselor or mediator, in order to ensure that they are bringing their child into the most loving and stable environment possible.