In a situation like you described, moms have very little else to talk about except their kids.  And when you talk about your kids, naturally you tend to brag.  I think it's just natural for parents.  As long as it doesn't get nasty or leave anyone feeling inadequate as a parent, I think it's fine.

You're right though, sometimes you just want to say: "give it a rest, lady! All kids grow up at different rates, I couldn't care less that your 6-month-old is fatter than mine!"

@Nina1981@xanga - I think you're right about it being an insecurity in those instances.  I would think that most parents see their children as extensions of themselves - and therefore the self-serving bias extends to the children.  We see what we want to see in our kids, just like we see what we want to see in ourselves.  It's a psychologically natural tendency acting as a pretty effective defense mechanism to keep us optimistic and happy with ourselves - so, insecurity?  Sure, I guess technically to some degree, but not necessarily with all of the negative connotation it carries. 

I loved the words from that bumper sticker too Mistress Aislin. It is not so much the talking about the kids.. I can live with that, I quit my corporate job to spend more time wiht my son. My son only started 5 day school this year. He has been going to 3 day school the past couple of years. So my life actually does revolve around my child and I am very proud of him.  However I am not in constant competition to showcase him among other kids or their moms! Sometimes when that happens, the parents start to live their child's life and push and prod them to do more than necessary or normal. And this is kind of one-upmanship can be detrimental to the child. It is important to remember that every child is an individual and unique and appreciate him/her for their unique capabilities and not how they compare with others their age.

I've seen 2 very different outcomes to parents openly bragging about their children.  On the one hand, I've seen these kids grow up being told they are better than their peers.  As a result, they feel that they deserve things for being better, even without doing anything to earn it.  They lack the understanding that most things in life must be worked towards and earned, even if you are the best.

On the other hand, there are the kids who see the pedestal their parents have put them on and feel like the expectations are too high, feeling inadequate.  These are the kids who brake under the pressure and never really achieve all that they can.

Both are sad situations that lead to a lot of heartache and stress for our kids.  I think as parents it's our job to set realistic goals for them, ones that will require hard work and practice but are still within their personal abilities.

I don't think its wrong to brag about your child, if you feel you have something to brag about. But, people who do need to realize that they can come off as pompous or annoying. :p

I think there's a lot of embellishing that goes on with that kind of thing, too. So, not all of the bragging is probably true and what is should probably be taken with a grain of salt, just because its probably embellished to make it seem like it was more than it is. :p

As for the bumper stickers, I see nothing wrong in publicly showing your pride for your child. In a case like that, I don't feel its one-upping, because its just random people who will see your bumper. Usually when you try to impress people, its if you care about their opinion, and why would anyone care about the opinion of someone you will never likely meet in person beyond a "hey" or a nod as you get out of the car to head into a building. Even then, most people don't pay attention to the others in the parking lot if they don't know each other. :p Driving down the road, nobody cares. I think in the case of the bumper stickers, at least, its just simply showing that you are proud of your child. And that doesn't automatically constitute trying to one-up anyone.

@MissHollywoodStarlet@xanga - well said!! :)