Panic Button: My 7-Year-Old Demanded a Name Change!
Imagine this: Your seven-year-old is about to start second grade, and out of the blue, they announce that they want to change their name. Not just any name, but the one you’ve known them by since they came into your life. For Dan, a devoted father, this isn’t just a quirky phase—it’s a full-blown crisis. In a recent Panic Button segment on Country 102.5, Dan shared his dilemma with Jonathan and Ayla, revealing the surprising reason behind his son’s sudden desire for a name change. Is this just a case of childhood whimsy, or is there something deeper going on? Let’s dive into this heartfelt conversation where one father grapples with a tough decision: should a 7-year-old be allowed to change their name?
Jonathan
Country 102.5, Jonathan and Ayla doing Panic Button, and today we have Dan. Hey Dan, how are you doing?
Dan
I’m good. How are you?
Jonathan
We’re doing fantastic! So Dan, you’ve got a little bit of a problem with your son and his name. What’s going on?
Dan
Yeah, my son is seven years old, about to start second grade, and he seems to have a big problem with his name. He doesn’t like it and wants to change it.
Ayla
Did you name him, or was he adopted, as you mentioned in the email you sent us?
Dan
Yeah, he was adopted. That’s the name his biological parents chose for him. We’ve accepted him as this person with this name, and I just don’t think a 7-year-old should be allowed to change it.
Jonathan
OK, before I ask you more, how old was he when you adopted him?
Dan
He was about four years old.
Jonathan
So he knew his name, and now at seven, he’s saying he wants to change it. Is it because he doesn’t want to go to school, or is he being bullied over it?
Dan
Yeah, some kids have made comments at school, but you know, kids will find something wrong with any name.
Jonathan
True, kids can be awful. If they want to bully you, they’ll find a reason. They’re just the worst. I don’t know why I have two of them!
Ayla
Yeah, kids can be crazy!
Jonathan
Alright, so his name is really embarrassing to him. What is his name?
Dan
His name is Fettuccine.
Ayla
Oh my God!
Jonathan
Is that a family name?
Ayla
I’m laughing because it’s so cute! But when you’re 18 or 25 years old, is it still cute?
Jonathan
Yeah, it’s cute. Who doesn’t love fettuccine? It’s delightful!
Ayla
But it might lose its cuteness as he gets older. And then maybe it becomes cute again when he’s 85.
Jonathan
I don’t know. I could honestly see someone being called this in a cool way. Like if you knew a guy named Lasagna, you’d be like, “Oh, me and Lasagna are hanging out.”
Ayla
But that’s his real name, given at birth—Fettuccine, right?
Dan
Yes, that’s the name he was given. I have no problem with it, but he’s the one with the issue.
Jonathan
You just don’t think he should be allowed to change it.
Dan
Exactly. He’s only seven years old. I don’t think he’s old enough to make that kind of decision.
Jonathan
I didn’t make good decisions at 37! Does your wife agree with him or with you?
Dan
My wife wants to let him change his name, so we disagree on this.
Ayla
But what does he want to be called? Something like T-Rex or another typical 7-year-old choice?
Jonathan
Yeah, does he have a different name in mind? That’s a good point. Would you be OK if he wanted to change it to your name, like Dan Jr.?
Dan
I mean, it’s flattering and all, but I don’t see why we need to change his name at all.
