Instead of sharing a poem today, I wanted to talk about word choice. I realize that schools, doctors’ offices and every other place that requires parental signature are just trying to be politically correct, but the phrase “Parents & Guardians” really grates on my nerves.

For [hopefully] obvious reasons, I have not gone into many of the legalities concerning my nephew-sons, but I’d like to make one thing clear: I am their parent. My brother was a terrific single father who loved them to no end, but when he died and the judge signed the guardianship Orders, I went from being Aunt to Mom. I realize it’s just a title – a nickname, if you will – but I am more than a mere guardian. I’m the sole custodial parent in the eyes of the court.

The word guardian makes me think of a babysitter or an orphanage. Don’t get me wrong — there are some orphanages that aim to create a very family-like atmosphere, and I think that’s terrific. Yet, even a foster parent arrangement, in my mind, is more than just someone who watches over/guards the children. If a child lives in your home day in and day out and has been incorporated into your family structure, then how is that not parenting?

Again, I realize people don’t mean any offense when they use the word guardian, but I wish they would just say parent. Distinguishing between the two only confuses the children and risks making them feel excluded.