What to say to a parent who brags about their kid

We’ve all met them, the annoying hyper-competitive parent who just can’t stop bragging about their kid’s accomplishments. They’re the parent who is constantly trying to one-up you, when you mention your child’s reading has improved, they let you know their kid started reading in the womb.

Here are a few fun comebacks that you can use on the one-upper. A few of these comebacks are probably a little too rude to say, but it is fun to imagine the shock on their face if you used them.

10 Best replies to parents who brag about their kid

1. It’s hard to believe you’re related!

2. Motherhood is not a competition.

3. What next a job offer from Microsoft?

4. He / she is so fabulous he probably farts glitter. (You wouldn’t say this but you probably think it.)

5. It sounds like your child is doing really well, you must be proud.

6. I’m glad to hear that your child is excelling in [activity/subject].

7. It’s great that your child is doing so well, congratulations.

8. Your child’s accomplishments are so very impressive, I’m very happy for you.

9. Your child seems to be thriving, that’s fantastic to hear.

10. I’m sure you’re very proud of your child’s accomplishments, and rightfully so.

Why do parents brag about their kids?

Parents often brag about their children because they are proud of their accomplishments, and want others people to know how talented their kids are.

Some parents who don’t have a lot going on in their own life seek validation through their children’s accomplishments. Parents may want recognition for the way that they raised their children.

More comebacks you might like

How to deal with parents who brag about their kids

When dealing with parents who brag about their kids, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Here are some tips for handling this type of interaction:

1. Try to show genuine interest: While it may be annoying and exhausting to listen to a person who goes on and on about their child, try to show genuine interest in their accomplishments. Acknowledge their child is doing well and ask questions about their achievements.

2. Redirect the conversation: If the bragging becomes too much, shift the direction of conversation to other topics of interest. Talk about your own life or ask the parent what is going on with their own life.

3. Share your own good news: When you can get a word in, share some of the positive things your child has accomplished or has been up to. This will let parents know that all kids have something to be proud of and will balance the conversation.

4. Set boundaries: If the constant bragging becomes unbearable, you can excuse yourself or let the parent know you would rather discuss other topics.

5. Try to practice patience: Remember that parents greatest joy is often their children and they brag from a place of love. Try to approach the situation with kindness and be patient, which can be challenging if the conversation is repetitive.

Ultimately, dealing with parents who brag about their kids requires a delicate balance of empathy, assertiveness, and understanding.

Julia was tired of hearing Joel brag about his son

Julia was tired of hearing Joel constantly brag about his son’s achievements in elementary school. Every time they met, Joel would find a way to slip in a mention of his son’s latest accomplishments, whether it was winning a spelling bee or scoring the winning goal in a soccer match.

At first, Julia tried to be polite and show interest in Joel’s son’s achievements. She would nod and smile, offering words of congratulations. However, as time went on, it became increasingly grating to constantly hear about the same topic. It seemed like every conversation with Joel revolved around his son’s achievements, leaving little room for any other discussion.

Julia began to feel as though her own children’s accomplishments were being overlooked and undervalued. She knew that they were talented and hardworking in their own right, but it seemed like Joel’s constant boasting was overshadowing their successes.

One day, Julia decided to have a candid conversation with Joel about how his constant bragging made her feel. She explained that while she was happy for his son’s achievements, she also wanted to be able to share and celebrate her own children’s successes without feeling like they were in competition.

To her surprise, Joel was receptive to Julia’s feedback. He hadn’t realized how his behavior was affecting their friendship and apologized for making her feel that way. From then on, Joel made a conscious effort to tone down the bragging and show genuine interest in Julia’s children’s accomplishments as well.

The Role of counselling and self care

I Should Have Said Media will earn a commission after clicking links on this page at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home. 

Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.

Got any comments, questions or tips for dealing with someone who brag about their kid? Share them in the comments below.

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