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"Can I call you Mummy?" Weighing political correctness against psychological need in foster care
journal contribution
posted on 01.10.2004, 00:00 authored by K Eitzen, Jennifer McintoshJennifer McintoshA common phenomenon observed in children residing in foster care is their tendency
to call their foster carers “Mum” or “Mummy”. Concerns are often raised about
the appropriateness of this, with some workers and decision-makers in child
protection strongly advocating against it. Foster carers are also often unsure how to
handle the situation when it occurs. On the one hand, foster carers may feel
compelled to take the advice of caseworkers to not allow this practice, yet on the
other hand, feel they are rejecting a child, and a vital part of the developing
relationship, if they do not allow themselves to be called “Mum”.
to call their foster carers “Mum” or “Mummy”. Concerns are often raised about
the appropriateness of this, with some workers and decision-makers in child
protection strongly advocating against it. Foster carers are also often unsure how to
handle the situation when it occurs. On the one hand, foster carers may feel
compelled to take the advice of caseworkers to not allow this practice, yet on the
other hand, feel they are rejecting a child, and a vital part of the developing
relationship, if they do not allow themselves to be called “Mum”.
