Hellobee Boards

I just never mention anything about our kids' development when I'm with someone like that. Or if the other person does, I keep the focus on their child and say something like, "Wow, that's great. She's developing so well!"

I haven't run into any competitive moms! I don't go out on too many play dates and haven't talked to many moms in general though.

I also don't say anything about my LO or when asked, lie in the opposite direction, too! Or usually it is just apparent. Like my SIL always likes to brag and say how many words her daughter (2 months older) knows but when we're together, the girl doesn't speak very much. Meanwhile, my daughter actually does say a lot of words in front of her so that just speaks for itself...literally. It was hilarious when my 4 year old nephew pointed out "Wow, she talks so much more than my sister". Uh-huh.

I don't see anything wrong with actually being truthful about your LO's milestones if it's apparent that you're not bragging or being competitive. If the other parents take issue with it, that's their issue. Luckily, my mommy friends all know that kids develop at different rates and don't fall into the competitive trap - otherwise, they wouldn't be my friends.

And, IMO, there's nothing wrong with being proud of your LO so bragging once in a while is ok in my book too.

My son isn't a great sleeper and apparently every one else's kids are Olympic level sleepers...I am talking needing to be woken up after 13 hours of night time sleep. So naturally, the first question everyone seems to ask is if my son sleeps through the night.

At first, I got angry about it. Now, I've talked to a lot of other moms about it and have found some humor in the situation. I just say something along the lines of "No, he's not a great sleeper, but at least I won't have to worry about waking him up early to go to school" or something like that. Then I change the subject, to something about what book the parents are reading, what movie they recently liked, etc.

@Maysprout: there are certain situations where i don't want people to feel bad so the lying makes more sense. my friend's LO is about the same age and she's so excited that he can say "car" now. it would just be too cruel to tell her that my LO is speaking in sentences. i don't want to stress her out and make her think that her son is delayed. so i just mumble something and move on when she asks me what my LO can say.