Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth, and when do you capitalize “mom” and “dad”?
Turns out, the answer is actually pretty simple, though it can get confusing in practice. Keep in mind that these words can either be taking the place of a name (“Hey, Mom, can I have a cookie?”) or they can be defining a relationship, as in “my mom bought cookies this morning.” In the former case, when “mom” or “dad” or “grandpa” or “auntie” or any such word is being used as a direct address instead of a name, it should be capitalized—just like a name. In any other case, typically when used after a possessive like my, his, or their, these words should be lowercased.
That’s your Grammar Minute! Visit thegrammarminute.com for more tips and tricks.