Reality Check Counseling

Dad of a toddler asked how to prevent the child from calling his girlfriend, "Mommy."

If she is acting like a Mommy, what is the harm in him calling her by that title? He is clearly telling you that he needs one, in his life. How will it be harmful to him to have one?

I suspect you are concerned that the relationship is not permanent and he will be traumatized by losing her, if he gets to close. Here's a news flash...It's already too late! He's making a connection. If you don't want him to call her "mommy," you need to stop bringing her around him. Otherwise, just let him have the relationship. If things don't work out, he'll survive. Kids are incredibly resilient.

In the future, if you truly want to protect him, you need to keep your girlfriends away from him, until such time as you are sure this is going to be a long-term relationship...even a permanent one.