The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

I totally agree with you, and I classify this particular incident under the idea of how PC have gone? I am a woman that grew up from the late 60's to early 80's. I do think, that in some and even in many cases and areas of our lives we have had to grow, change, and diversify. and in those areas, such as your example of the old man at the bar, you are correct. That being said, we now live in a life of zero tolerance. What does that mean? people take it to a lenght that causes the same sort of problems it was to cure. I take a child who uses words of endearment such as the ones this particular child was using, as a statement to what he has witnessed in his own life. It would mean that the parent figures use pet names with each other and with the kids. Why is alright for a grown up to call a child honey? "Come here honey, let me help you with that". "OK sweetheart we can do that". All things we as adults say to our children and to other children. If it is ok, then we must expect our children to example us. I hope that you answered to the adult in question, and if not perhaps you should.... That particular habit is a window of how we treat him, and how his parents treat each other. Also to follow up... I ask of you, have you said ever to a child, OK honey lets go do that? or, OK sweetheart we can do that or I can do that for you? Because if you have, then you are the example of why my child might use those terms. Good luck with that! and bravo to you! Sincerely, A mom of two sweetheart's and honey filled young girls, and proud to use the terms.

Thank you for the reality check Lisa! I am astounded that in our cynical and challenged world, a little “sweetheart” isn’t more appreciated!! I have worked in the world of childcare, and I would totally prefer a sweetheart nod, to the “shut-up bitch” I got one time from a 3 year old. Kudos to you for defending your kid and his right to be sweet, endearing and an all around nice guy. I have all sorts of sugary nicknames for my child, so I supose I better prepare her for the supercilious prudes that are out there. Not everyone can be sweethearts, I supose. - a mom who loves her sweetheart of a kid too!