Why do parents often feel the need to apologize when they share their kids’ accomplishments?
“I’m sorry to brag, but I have to tell you what my son, Max, did…”
“Shameless post about my little one, feel free to unfollow…”
“Warning: Mom Brag Alert!”
As parents, why do we preface our good news with an apology? If my child excels in a sport or art, do I really need to issue a warning before sharing that joy? Absolutely not!
I see this kind of thing all the time on social media. At least once daily, I come across a post filled with excitement about a child’s success, complete with exclamation points and emojis. These posts often feature proud parents celebrating milestones, big or small. And you know what? I love it.
I genuinely enjoy seeing what kids are achieving. I encourage parents, grandparents, and aunts to keep sharing those wonderful moments. There’s no need to feel sorry for expressing pride. Children benefit from knowing their parents celebrate them. When they hear about their achievements, it boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to strive for more. I have a daughter who thrives on positive reinforcement, and she knows I’m her biggest cheerleader—no apologies needed.
So, why do others feel the need to apologize? Some might think that sharing achievements is a way of seeking validation for their parenting skills. It’s like giving a pat on the back for their child’s success. But often, it’s simply a parent expressing pride in their child.
That said, it’s natural to feel a pinch of anxiety when seeing friends share about their kids’ remarkable feats, like college scholarships or sports victories. Sometimes, it can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating your own child’s unique path.
It’s essential to remember that every child has their own milestones, whether it’s making eye contact or ordering food at a restaurant. Parents celebrate a vast range of accomplishments, and those are just as significant as the more traditional achievements we see online.
When we come across those classic brag posts, why is it easier to appreciate little victories, like overcoming shyness, rather than a child scoring a touchdown? Perhaps it’s because we often view these posts through the lens of ability rather than improvement.
If we shifted our focus to celebrate growth and progress—like “Last year, he was new to the game, but after hard work, he just scored his 19th touchdown!”—maybe we’d foster a more supportive environment. But honestly, why should we tiptoe around expressing pride? Every child has something they excel at, from trying new foods to winning awards.
So, I encourage you to share your child’s achievements, no matter how big or small. It’s a beautiful thing to be proud, and when your child learns about your bragging, it will fill their hearts with joy.
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Summary:
Parents should embrace their pride in their children’s accomplishments without feeling the need to apologize. Sharing achievements fosters self-esteem and encourages growth. Celebrating every milestone—big or small—is important, and everyone deserves to express their joy in their child’s journey.