My mom friend brags all the time

If you start bragging about your kids it will only end up in a competitive conversation. I've known many people like this and you really only have two choices.... you can accept her just the way she is if her friendship means that much to you or you can ignore her and lose her friendship. Does she have anything else to talk about? I've known some women whose lives are so lonely or torn, that the only thing they have to talk about is their children.

Paz

Tell her you want to start having "Girlfriend Time", where no mention of kids or husbands can be made - unless its a problem you are trying to work out, otherwise its off limits. My group does this with a twist - it you mention kids/husband you either take a shot (younger, wilder days) or you put money in a kitty that helps pay for wherever you are at......

My cousin does this, she is a wonderful lady and mother, and godmother to my DD. We just ignore it. A few times a year we get pics of her teen kids and how one is 4.0 average, head cheerleader best in the school, great dancer, and the hobbies they like. Also a big deal is made out of everything every little graduation, accomplishment. It doesn't irritate me like it does my mom. She throws the bragging emails or pics in the trash. I love my cousin and she is a great woman so I just ignore it.

DD 3 years old brand new baby Luke David born 6/9/08 9lb 1oz 21 1/2 inches long

I'd take the passive-aggressive approach and start complaining about a "co-worker" (or another "friend" or a "sister-in-law") who brags incessantly and how ridiculous she sounds. I'd comment that she sounds SO insecure, like she's living vicariously through her kids, instead of her own accomplishments and it's just so sad! And then, your friend is bound to say, "oh well, I talk about my kids", etc. Then, you can say, "oh well, I know you...I'm talking about how awful it sounds to others, the way "Mary Jane" goes on and on".

"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein

This is tough. Every mom thinks their kids are #1, but not all moms express that.
That's just who she is, and it's probably not meant to be hurtful. However, you will continue to be annoyed by this, and then you'll become resentful.

There's nothing you can do about it, because if you tell her to shut up she'll accuse you of being jealous of her kids. Just smile and listen, and in the meantime ask yourself why it annoys you so much. Perhaps you don't feel her children deserve such praise. Often times, parents who over-praise their children are hiding something... elsewhere.
And, chances are you are not the only one who feels this way about her.

As friends you should be able to talk about your kids achievements but in a way that is respectful to everyone.

Usually people who brag are really insecure, but it can be very annoying. I would try the "no kid talk" too. If it doesn't work, and she's still driving you nuts, you may need to consider cutting ties.

Hobbymommy, 38, is a discussion leader from Mesa. She is a happy stay-at-home mommy to a 3-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.

One thing I've tried is asking quesitons I'm interested in, related to her bragging. If she's talking about her kids and sports, you could ask if she playing sports in HS, or if she's talking about reading, try, "Have you read any good books?"
Another you can do, is try and bring up current events that have nothing to do with kids. Some moms brag because they are insecure and others are just in awe of what their kids can do. You'll have to decide if the friendship is worth it.

Brooke Romney is an unbalanced mom of three young boys who constantly has too much to do, and too little time. She writes the Mom Beat column for The Gilbert Republic.

This is a complex situation, but one that most of us have experienced. Calling your friends attention directly to the incessant bragging would most likely not have a positive result for you, unfortunately I have found that those who do this are often insecure about something and confrontation tends to lead to hurt feelings that most likely can't be mended.
I think the suggestions that you try to find something else that you have in common to talk about would be a great idea. Even finding a new activity that you both enjoy weather it be a sport like tennis or something like going shopping for antiques or something with a purpose in mind, and most of all steering the conversation away from the kids. If she is not getting the hint then actually suggest the "no-kids" talk outings. Once she gets started talking about other things, hopefully she will steer clear of the bragging.
Good Luck!

JuneSlager is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com, raising three children (ages 15, 14, & 11) in Northeast Phoenix.

Thanks so much. You know, I think she is projecting her desires/insecurities/baggage/whatever by going on and on about her kids. I'm sure one day I'll hear how much her kids don't whatever she wants them to do when they get a little older.

If I say something about my frustration, I know it'll hurt her feelings. If I do the passive-aggressive thing, I'm sure she'll figure it out.

Since I do mostly enjoy our times out, I will take the high road and take time to vent to my hubby now and then. At least he won't tell her. LOL.

Thanks ladies! Venting really helps.

I love being a mom!

I like to joke, and I say anything that pops to my head, so I would say, "now, I've already heard everything great about your kids, so now tell me something bad, because I know there is no such thing as a perfect person."
I would definitely say it too, just to break this trend. We all know there is no perfect child or adult and I'm curious what she would say.
I love to tell the great things about my child too, but the bad habits can be so funny when sharing with family or other moms. When my husband says that our 18 mth just threw chocolate pudding in the toilet, now we have another reason to laugh. There is no perfect family, child, or world.

One Happy Mom in Arizona.

None of us mind when a friend tells about their child's proud moments and we as friends should be happy for them. But after a point it is tiresome. I had a best friend who always did this or had to always have something better or worse than my situations. I decided to distance myself from the friendship. After a few weeks, she asked me point blank what was bothering me. It was either a make or break point. I told her how I felt and she welcomed my feelings. She has toned it down and I still have my best friend 2+ years later!

soccermom