DEAR HARRIETTE: I had my son when I was 16 years old. About five years into his life, I regretted the name I had chosen for him. It just doesn’t fit.
I’ve started to call him by his nickname, which is a slightly better fit for him, but I hate that he is stuck with such a poorly chosen name. My son is 10 now.
Ultimately, it is his decision, but is it too late in life to discuss changing his name with him? Could it give him an identity issue?
— Big Decision
DEAR BIG DECISION: How does your son feel about his name? Does he like the nickname that you use for him?
One’s official name on a birth certificate can be changed, now or later. Since your son does not have to be called by that name, it may not be a real issue. You may want to talk to your son’s teachers to make it clear how he should be addressed.
You didn’t say what name you chose. If his given name is something that would trigger taunting or ridicule by his peers and that has already happened, you should talk to your son and give him the opportunity to change it. You can ask him what he would like to be called and see what he comes up with.
This can be a positive moment for his identity if you handle it carefully.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I are working through some tough financial issues. We lost a lot of money due to bad investments, business deals and poor money management, and now we are struggling badly. We are afraid we may lose our home.
The only people I can think of to ask for help are my parents, but I’m hesitant to ask. They told me years ago, when my husband and I first got engaged, that they do not think that we are financially responsible enough to be married.
Telling them of our situation will mean we proved them right. What should I do?
— Proving Them Right
DEAR PROVING THEM RIGHT: Before going to your parents, can you go to a credit counselor? It would be helpful for you to get informed financial advice on what you can do to consolidate your debt and make strategic decisions to right your course. A debt management professional may be able to guide you toward specific things you can do to get your finances under control.
After you have a plan, go to your parents. Tell them what is happening. Admit that you have not managed your finances well and you are in dire straits. Tell them what you have done thus far to get your life under control. Then ask for their help.
Be prepared for them to say no, by the way. You may have to handle this completely on your own. If so, make the best of it to prove to yourselves that you can turn your life around.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
