Is It Bragging?

I don't count these as bragging. IMO this is celebrating =). A few may be funny about this type of celebrating but I don't pay them any mind. Bear in mind that these are the moments that contribute to the building of self esteems.

Now if you start "one upping" that would be a different story.

From what you've said it really doesn't sound like you are bragging. It is also nice you are sensitive to it and because of that I think it's another clue you probably don't over do it. I imagine friends and family enjoy celebrating these milestones with you! I know I do in this situation! Also, now that my daughter is older it's fun to see younger children and it also jogs my memory to the time my daughter was doing something similar. It just seems joyful to me :-).

I recently told my husband that I found that I actually do enjoy talking to my mother and mother in law on the phone now...because they are the only two people with whom I can gush about my son without having my audience become disgustedly annoyed :-) My son is the first grandchild on both sides...and my husband and I were married almost 7 years before having him...so they eagerly waited for the moment to be grandmothers. They live away from us as well and see him minimally so love to hear about every funny,smart,brave thing that he does. I share these stories without guilt with them. I typically just share briefer versions of the funnier stories with other friends etc. and try and remember that my childless friends really have no to little interest in these types of achievements. In addition, I try not to say too much to my mom friends for fear that it will come off as we are in a competition. Don't sweat it..there are probably a few folks that you "brag" to that love it. Just figure out who they are and save up the best for them.

I think every mom does it. "Tell Grandma what a cow says!" "Where's your nose?" All that stuff. Don't worry about it. It's good for kids to show what they've learned, and we all feel proud of what we've taught them!

It is only bragging if you are trying to one up the other moms. When we have children or even better, grandchildren, we like to talk about them. They are what is on our mind most times. Grandparents are more likely to start bragging though..lol.. It is our right!

My facebook page is filled with what I call Emmaisims about the funny things my granddaughter Emma has said or done. I am told by many on there that they go to my page to see what Emmaisim I have for the day. One even wants me write a book to publish with them. So don't think that telling funny stories or how wonderful your child is as bragging, it gives everyone a laugh and makes them feel closer to him.

I think what you said is just fine! You are a proud mom and wanted to share what your son has learned. No harm done!

I never consider it bragging when you are sharing how proud you are of your child. I tell my friends that I am not bragging I am just very proud. When their children do something they are proud of they know they can call me and share their excitement. I also know I have some close friends that I can also share the not so proud moments with also. Enjoy being a proud mommy and "brag" away.

I am always bragging, i think my kids are the cutest, brightest, funniest kids ever. I am completely fascinated by them. I know nobody but me and my husband see them the same way (even though i cant understand why, their fantastic!), lol, i try to limit the bragging to people who want to hear it, daddy, great grandmas and sometimes uncle and aunt. When speaking to friends i am very sure not to seem to be competitive, and gush about their child too.

we all do it

If it is, so what?! I do the same thing. You are excited for their latest achievement, and there is nothing wrong with that, especially with family.

I don't know you, so I may be vastly overestimating your social skills, but I think it's usually pretty easy to tell when people have had "enough." One or two little examples are probably safe, but if you dominate most of the get-together with what amounts to a dog-and-pony show, well, you're basically being obnoxious. Most grandmas are interested. Friends without kids will tolerate you because they like you (but don't assume they like your kid). And friends WITH kids (especially those with kids of the same age) will tolerate a little as long as you don't appear to be throwing your kid's accomplishments in their faces.

Honestly,one of the best way to showcase his accomplishments is by telling stories about him (the funnier the better). That way you can let people know what he's doing and everyone is entertained.

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I try to keep it to a few minutes, unless anyone asks for more information because once that happens I'm almost one of the worst braggers out there.
I've been cornered by people who will whip out a whole photo album at a moments notice. I've seen people who will go on and on until their audience is almost willing to chew off their own arm to get out of that conversation.
I try to pay attention to social cues, and I try to stop well before peoples eyes begin glazing over. Most the time I succeed. Occasionally I fail.

When you find yourself dominating the conversation and people's eyes are starting to glaze over, then you've gone too far! Most people can only take a minute or two of hearing about another's kids. I shudder when people tell me what new words their kid said this week and all that. But so long as everyone has an equal say of talking about their children, then it's fine.

As for talking to friends, I only share kid stories with them if my kid did something off the wall hilarious or something crazy embarrassing, but I save the milestone talk for the grandparents who actually care.

Oh your so cute! I do this all the time also. I do try to keep it toned down as I know I can get carried away! But then the other mom s chime right in about their children. So brag away!

I would not consider it bragging, I think you are just a PROUD Momma, and your friends and family seem to be enjoying the updates. as long as they can "brag" too why not. Everyone enjoys hearing were their friends & family 's kids are doing when they do not see them all the time. You should see the post on facebook, johnny did... joe just... how cute!!! people have the need to tell.

I do it too. Enjoy your baby!!!

I do too but in a way that allow my daughter to show what she has learned and give her positive reinforcement.

i don't consider it bragging, i always "over praise" my daughter, and i'll make special phone calls when i get an award winning letter from school or what ever, my daughter loves it.

my mil told me i need to quit "bragging" about her in front of her, but that's just what i do and i wont stop because 1 person doesn't like it, i could probably be catagorized as a bragger, but i don't feel guilty. later after my mil told me that (in front of my daughter) my daughter was going around showing her all across "A" report card, then my mil said you didn't show me, my daughter then told, her you told my mom to quit bragging so i figured you didn't want to see it bahahahaha! she shouldn't have said that, but i couldn't help but to side with my daughter then. mil hasn't said anything about that since

... I don't really do that... but among my own family/husband/kids/grandma... sure, I mention what 'new' thing my son or daughter has done.

Sidevi,

I noticed when my older child (daughter) was starting her milestones, I was doing the same as you. My husband made a comment that I sounded like I was bragging and even before that and especially after that, I felt VERY self-conscious about it. What I decided is this: there's nothing wrong with speaking proudly if: the audience is captive, such as others who know my children and are proud, too; I'm not trying to one-up the other parents' comments or their children's achievements like what my kid did was better/faster/stronger; and, that I'm not exploiting my children, that is, making them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable to have to demonstrate a new skill in front of others if they don't want to (and they usually just won't do it if they don't want to). I also still (4+ years and another kid later) have to be conscious about it and tone it down. You learn over time, and with successive children, that a lot of the stuff you think is advanced is really pretty normal. It's still hard not to brag, especially with your first child when everything they do is new and wondrous!