Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The Bragger Mom

Who has listen to another mom brag? (My hand is raised)
Who has been that bragging mom? (My hand is still raised)

Sometimes us parents want the whole world to think our children are the most wonderful children or we become defensive about our children's accomplishments and progress that we become boastful.

Unfortunately, our good intentions to spotlight our child can be directed away from our child and a negative focus falls on the parent - branded as "that bragging mom."

So here are my rules to avoid being that bragging mom and many eye rolls.

Kimbo's Child Bragging Guideline:

1) DO talk about your child's accomplishments as they happen.

2) DON'T talk about a child's accomplishment that happened years ago (every event has their own statue of limitation so the bragging time limits vary). No one really cares when your teenage daughter was potty trained.

3) When another parent tells you about their child's recent accomplishment DON'T follow up with when your child did the same thing - esp if they did it sooner.

"Joe took his first steps!" "Well Bobby took his first steps 3 months ago."
The convo is about Joe - don't take it away his special moment.

4) DO boast to family and friends. Check out their body language to make sure they're interested and are responding.

5) DON'T boast to strangers or passing by acquaintances.

6) DO give praise and smiles to child or their bragging momma who did something great recently. People love positive feedback.

7) Be careful not to boast all the time. Too much boasting even if deserved can be viewed negatively.


I hope this wasn't offensive to anyone. Anyone having bragging momma stories or other guidelines they use?



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