I’m with Rod here. Though we never did the sir and ma’am thing with our kids, we really pressed for Mr. and Mrs. with all of our adult friends, even when many of them objected. Then we switched schools, from one religious school to another, but the second school insists — INSISTS — that the kids call all of the adults, teachers, and even the principal by first name. The school is otherwise not insane, and we love it, but the first name thing enrages me. The rationale is that respect is something earned by behavior, not bestowed by title.

To me it’s hooey — the title demonstrates to children that grown-ups are different and should not be treated like big kids. In fact, I always noted that the one friend who most bristled at being called “Mr.” was also the most immature and, not surprisingly, the most liberal.