Me- "I said it's bedtime. Get your things please and get in bed."
Younger son- "Yes Sir."
Me- "I told you. Ma'am or Captain. But not Sir. But I prefer Mom."
I upset many a youngster in my young adulthood who would say, "Excuse me, Sir?" And I would turn around and they would turn purple with embarrassment.
I tried to say it was fine.
Maybe it is now.
But as I am Mom I prefer that, ma'am, or Captain.
And ma'am is only a Tom Paris/Janeway thing.
Really.
So unless you are able to deliver the ma'am in that way- If you're my child- call me mom.
If you're not my child call me by my name because I am not your momma, mommy, mama, or momma/mama bear.
Please don't ever think of calling me those.
Jesus.
@AskTheDevil @Shelter So chief is out for you. Got it. ^_^
@Shelter Anyone who refers to me as "chief" or "sport" learns the meaning of nemesis.