<p>No offense to anyone on this site, but I just can't stand it when parents boast about their kids. I know because my mother always brags about me. I swear, when she talks to other people about the SAT, grades, colleges, or any other topic lauding me, I just want to do "The Clay Aiken Hand Move" and end the conversation. </p>
<p>Perhaps the only thing worse is when parents brag about other people's kids. This REALLY annoys me because the child isn't even theirs. I know someone who always asks me how I'm doing academically. I then provide my honest answer, only to be belittled by stories about kids who beat me on the SAT or have better grades. These parents are usualy the ones whose kids aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, so a great question to ask them is "how did your child do on the SAT" or something like that. </p>
<p>The bottom line is that I hate it when people brag about kids, whether it is their own or other people's. It is not like a kid's SAT score was their own accomplishment, but some parents certainly talk about it like it is.</p>
<p>I share the good and bad about my kids. I feel that allows other people to be honest with me, which makes for a better conversation and friendship.</p>
<p>Have you shared your feelings with your Mom? Perhaps she doesn't even realize she's doing something that annoys you. It's better to tell her the truth than to keep it inside you (although we don't mind if you rant on CC...). If you do confront her, just try to be nice about it.</p>
<p>I have told her what I think, but she still does it anyway. Some people you just can't change. Otherwise, my mom is fine. She isn't a strict disciplinarian like many parents. She isn't the type of person who would punish someone for getting a C. She is happy with my academic performance and sometimes she thinks I push myself too hard. I am not pressured to meet lofty standards that some parents set for their children, standards that they probably can't achieve themselves. These are other types of parents that annoy me and I could criticize them all day, but that would be another topic.</p>
<p>I know that itstoomuch how some of us parents brag about their heirs from their loins. However, when you are asked, a nondescript answer is sometimes better than an "honest" answer. </p>
<p>Don't take the question personally. The question really is a way to generate small talk or talk that can lead to mutual conversation. This forum would be awfully boring if only small talk is presented.</p>
<p>BTW, how come you aren't doing better at school? (jab+joke)</p>
<p>Hepstar, do parents really brag about other people's kids doing better on the SAT's than you? That's a new one to me. Yes, that does seem a bit strange . . .</p>
<p>OTOH, I guess I brag about my kids, some, I mean, what else are you going to do, when someone asks about how your kids are doing, say something like, "Well, my kid was in a play last night and he sucked." ??? I do make an effort not to go overboard when other people are telling me my kids did something really well, because we parents do that, you know, compliment each others' kids, so I usually just say, yes, he/she (my kid) really enjoys that activity, or something like that, but, yep, sometimes I'll just say, yep, he is really good at that activity or yes, did a really good job with that (whatever activity it happens to be), or something like that. Oh well. Why does it bug you?</p>
<p>The thing that bugs me is when parents are on CC at 6:30 AM the day scores are released posting their kid's SAT scores and adding him/her to the SAT "clubs". I must have seen 3 different posts by the same person sharing their kid's scores before I left for school.</p>
<p>Like MomofWC I share the good and the bad (my kids say I emphasize the bad). I really do try not to "brag" except with very close friends with whom it is a reciprocal activity ;).</p>
<p>This forum is a great place to do a little bragging. That way you don't bore friends and neighbors. Anyone who doesn't want to pay attention can skip over your threads.</p>
<p>Personally, I kinda like to hear about kids doing well. Some of the old timers on this forum are a bit like family and it is good to hear about the successes.</p>
<p>Hepstar: One of the worst dinners I ever had was with a couple I had once lived near, who had moved away and then we got together years later. Their kids are perfect. Son gets perfect scores on all of his standardized tests. Daughter bakes cakes for everyone. They both win awards all the time. If they have any flaws, we didn’t learn of them at the dinner. </p>
<p>I love my daughter, but she’s not perfect. In fact, that’s one of the reasons I love her. I really don’t enjoy listening to other people bragging about how exceptional their child is. I actually think it's rude, to keep boasting about your kids’ amazing grades and bountiful awards in front of someone who doesn’t counter every story with a similar one. At some point it should sink in that maybe the other person’s child doesn’t have a closet full of medals and trophies, and you are rubbing their nose in that fact.</p>
<p>It's great when parents are proud of their kids, but modesty is also a valuable trait.</p>
<p>I LOVE to brag about my kids. Luckily the grandparents and my sister LOVE to hear it. I try very hard not to brag to anyone else and to be very supportive of others' kids. It's nice when someone says "I can't believe you never told me...." It's best when the good news hits their ears from a source other that the mom's mouth.</p>