Sarah

[juju]

Perhaps you're right, OC. Or maybe it depends on the person? My wife, for example, resents to this day her family's childhood nicknames. They thought they were cute and funny, but today, it's just one more thing she can use as a reason to drive a wedge between them.

I think I'd prefer to actively encourage self-esteem, not assume that it will come about on its own. Of course I can't (and wouldn't) attempt to prevent insults from folks outside the home. You have to be able to deal with the world. But family should be different, especially in the very early years, when they're still impressionable.

But I'm certainly no expert. So I'll consider your words for a while longer. :)