Changing Last Names: A Fresh Start for Kids After an Abusive Relationship
A single mother who recently ended an abusive relationship wants to change her children's last names to her own. While the 5-year-old is excited about the change, the 10-year-old has mixed feelings. The mother is advised to consider her older son's emotions and discuss the matter with him privately. It is suggested that the older son may be holding onto his father's name as a way to maintain a sense of normalcy and connection. The mother is encouraged to emphasize the desire for all three of them to share the same surname and consider offering the option of making their father's surname their middle names. If the older son strongly opposes the name change, it is advised to respect his wishes and postpone the change for the younger child.