Dear Amy: I have two sons who are so close in age that when “Danny” was born, his older brother couldn’t pronounce it and called him “Dobby.” We noticed very quickly that when we called him Danny, he would look away, but if we called him Dobby, he would respond immediately. I know it’s a bit unconventional, but we thought it was cute and allowed it.
The problem is that his grandparents refuse to call him Dobby. When they say, “Where’s Danny?” he points to his father as though they are mispronouncing “Daddy.” When his grandparents talk to him on the phone, he keeps trying to correct them, but because he’s only 2 years old, they don’t understand what he’s trying to say. I have tried to tell them that he doesn’t answer to anything but “Dobby.”
Should I push this or wait until Dobby gets older and can correct them himself? Should I ignore this?
– “Dobby’s” Mom
Dear Mom: I would urge you to think ahead to when “Dobby” is in school, etc. He will be explaining his first name for the rest of his life. (Hello “Scooter” Libby!) If you do want to maintain “Dobby” as his preferred name, you can establish it with his grandparents by sending them a card or personalized “handprint” pictures from him, signed in large letters (with your help), “Dobby.”
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