There are times when we as parents will brag about our children because we are happy with their accomplishments and want to show how proud we are of them.
However, we don’t want to come off as someone who is boasting about your kids inappropriately or who just wanted to show off.
We must all keep in mind that not every child reaches every milestone at the exact time you wish they would, and that bragging about accomplishments all the time might make the parents who are listening feel bad.
It’s best to avoid making it a habit of bragging about how wonderful your children are to everyone and anyone. Even if you mean no harm, there is a chance that some people could be taking it the wrong way.
Even so, there are times when you feel like spreading the good news.
So, when do you believe is the appropriate time to or not to brag about your children? Follow along to find out:
When It Is Okay to Brag
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Sharing with your spouse/partner
This is the person who is most likely to be aware of your children’s struggles and the effort they have expended to succeed. It is therefore acceptable to share or, rather, to boast about how well your children are doing.
At the end of the day, that’s what makes you both proud, and you can talk about what kind of reward would be appropriate to give.
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Brag to the grandparents
Grandparents love discovering about their grandchildren’s achievements and activities. There should occasionally be necessary updates, particularly if you and the children are living far from the grandparents.
Always have great stories about your children to tell the grandparents whenever you call or visit them. They would be proud and appreciative to have something positive to say to their friends about their grandchildren.
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To those who give your kids the side-eye
Having someone to side-eye your kids is simply unpleasant. And if your children are aware of it, they may be demotivated.
You have the right to share your children’s proudest moment with people who are staring down at them. Sometimes, doing that is the only way to change those public perceptions toward your kids.
When It’s Not Okay to Brag
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Before your friends who aren’t parents
Simply put, boasting about your kids in front of someone who doesn’t have children is not polite. Especially those who have been trying hard to conceive.
If you keep bringing up your kids in conversation, they might become frustrated or upset as they don’t have kids to talk about. You may even lose friends if things spiral out of control.
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If your friends’ kids are not as advanced
Each kid develops and grows at their own pace. Your children may be excelling in math and reading, but not the children of your friends. Even when both of them are the same age.
If you are aware of the situation, refrain from bragging about your child’s accomplishments because it may upset your friend. You could also be making your friend’s children feel completely inadequate.
Instead, offer assistance only if you are certain they require it.
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Uncertain who you’re talking to
You might become friendly with other parents you run into at a store, playground, clinic, or somewhere else. You could be discussing parenting and then start talking about each other’s children.
Make sure not to reveal too much, and especially don’t start bragging about how good your children are. No stranger should know about that, and you don’t even know the other parents well enough. You could be belittling them without even realising it.
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When you’re bragging all day long
If you speak to anyone at any time of day and all you do is brag about your children, it’s about time you kept it low. Not only could you end up hurting those who hear about it, but it could also be worse.
If your children see you constantly bragging about them to others, they may become arrogant and believe they are better than everyone else—a trait that you wouldn’t want your kids to possess.
Avoid Excessive Boasting on Social Media Too
Every other parent may have bragged about their kids at one point or another. The only question is how much is too much for them to handle.
Parents who are happy with their children may be somewhat expected to brag a little, and most of us would assume the best for other parents. Nevertheless, boasting is no longer limited to verbal exchanges in the age of digital communication.
Parents may be uploading their children’s school grades, certificates, and other advanced accomplishments on any social media to brag about, or even via messengers.
You could be doing it to commemorate a proud moment or to save memories on social media. But, more often than not, you have no idea who is viewing your post.
So, be careful not to overdo it online for fear of inadvertently hurting other parents who may be struggling in silence. On top of that, we can’t forget the potential danger either; a silent predator lurking online may stumble across them too.
And we wouldn’t want that to happen. So, always remember to be cautious, parents!
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