<p>My mom was a big bragger and I hated it. It was embarrassing, especially, I felt, because some of the things she would say, I thought was total B.s. (She was definitely a head in the sand kind of person.) Anyway, this has led me to be a non-bragger in my community (at least I try really hard to be). If someone asks me about something, I will tell them, but I try not to embellish. </p>
<p>I have openly stated on CC that I have posted something really positive about my kid because I feel like I can "brag" with anonymous strangers and get some congrats! That is the beauty of this forum (most times), there are people here who are interested in kids, and accomplished ones at that, and they are willing to openly congratulate others.</p>
<p>A wise elder in my family told me that there are very few people in this world who REALLY care about you, your kids, and their accomplishments, so celebrate them with the people who matter and who will hear with an open heart. By trying to celebrate them with people who are only waiting for you to shut up so they can one-up you with a story about their kid, you will be left feeling kind of empty. </p>
<p>Caveat - this is totally my opinion and something that has worked for me - not trying to foist it on anyone else.</p>
<p>I don't mind hearing the bragging from most people. The ones I mind are those who are considered obnoxious in just about everyother area by most others anyways, so how they talk about their kids is no exception to how they do other things. Bragging can be in poor taste, depending on your audience. It is kind to be aware of thesituation of the kids of the person to whom you are speaking before you go on a bragging spiel. Just good manners, common sense and sensitivity.</p>
<p>Better get use to bragging now and to learn how to give, take and receive compliments. When you ask for recommendations for college, job, raise, housing, about a potential date, how you view recommendations/'bragging', will be a big deal.</p>
<p>My H's mother bragged on him constantly. It was embarrassing when around people not in the family (the family learned to ignore it). Every time she told a story, he got better and better. To hear her tell it he walked and talked at 6 mos., was potty-trained at 8 mos., and doing calculus by 2!. After listening to her for years, I pretty much kept my mouth shut about my kids.</p>
<p>Let me ask this, does anybody know some masochistic people who insist on asking direct questions --such as SAT results --when they know their kid's performance didn't get even close to your child's? I have a dear friend who does that. Her son is a wonderful young man, with many talents, but not academic ones, like my daughters. I try my best to omit any academic stuff about my two daughters, but sometimes she is so insistent and direct that I end up saying more than I want. </p>
<p>In general, I try my best not to brag, but I am guilty of a little bragging every once in a while. It's not really bragging, but my kids do well academically so it is hard not to do it sometimes. Unless I don't talk about them, which is becoming more and more the case. But having been around people that brag, I have learned how annoying it can be. Same for people who won't stop talking about their kids and never ask or show interest about yours.</p>
<p>I believe in equal opportunity bragging, especially on CC. By all means brag, brag all you like on the parents forum - I believe almost everyone here is more than happy to celebrate with you about your offspring's achievements. In the same spirit, those whose student may be dealing with an issue should feel free to come here to get input from other parents.</p>
<p>Okay, get ready, I've just gotta tell someone -- just gotta BRAG! I just can't hold it in, gotta tell someone! My 8 year old was walking around singing "My sister has a rubber butt" to the tune of a Vivaldi concerto this morning. Yup. I'm so proud of her! :) :) :)</p>
<p>nowayout: regarding mascochistic parents--they might not be masochistic at all--they might just have very different values. Some people aren't that into academics, so it won't hurt their feelings if your kid scored higher than theirs. I know some parents who'd look at a NMF and be thinking things like, "Poor kid. How will he make it in life? He can't even throw a football. Never had a girlfriend. . .how pathetic. I'd be ashamed if my kid were such a nerd. . .etc." So go ahead, if your friend asks, brag away.</p>