Are you serious? I believe I can honestly say that I would never nor have I EVER even thought of referring to any of my four precious adopted children (all siblings) using any kind of derogatory “nickname” with anyone! No matter WHAT childish or selfish behavior they may exhibit on any given day — I would never EVER have it cross my mind to even think of them in such casual, demeaning terms in the way you are describing — “brat face” or “urchin”. Are you kidding me? You think “little snot head” or the names you admit to using on your own children is okay or innocuous?
God help us. It’s Parenting 101, that name-calling your children, even trying to convince yourself that it’s done in “jest”, causes emotional and psychological and spiritual harm to their spirit. All of us remember the hurtful things our parents do to us as children, especially name-calling done as a “joke”. Shame on you for this. It’s not amusing. And trust me — your children may go along with it in front of you, but it hurts them in ways you may never know, even when you ask them to explain it to you.
Sad....
You need to lighten up. This is a running joke with my kids, who are both well-adjusted, conservative, bright, smart AND funny. My son is going to Spring Arbor University and my daughter just joined Young Republicans and is fighting for conservative principles in her school.
Above all in this world, people need to have a sense of humor. Not being able to laugh and have “family jokes” just makes the burdens of society all the harder.