Do your kids brag? How do you stop them without crushing their spirits? Some kids say ridiculous things like, “My dad killed a bear with his bare hands.” Or “I’m the smartest kid in my whole class.” Such bragging needs to stop if they’re ever going to have friends. Look inside to see how the family meeting can help.
“Tell me what you brag about and I’ll tell you what you lack.” – Spanish Proverb
It’s not pleasant to hear your Sophie brag to other kids. Before correcting her and crushing her feelings, consider using the family meeting.
The Family Meeting
Discuss why most kids don’t like kids who brag:
Ask your kids, “Why isn’t bragging a good idea for making friends?”
If you brag, what might kids think of you?
When you brag, why do kids think you feel like you’re better than them?
What might your bragging tell kids about how you feel about yourself?
What are better ways to make friends? Why?
Perhaps Sophie brags because she really is smarter, better at sports, and good at music. Sophie doesn’t realize that all kids want to feel important.
Maybe Sophie brags because she lacks self-confidence and tries to make other kids think she’s a big shot. Neither way works and kids won’t like her.
Spend lots of time on the last question because your Sophie needs to try different behaviors, like praising other kids for what they can do, if she ever hopes to make friends.
If you’d like a ready-made notebook to keep track of your family meetings, Pick up my Family Meeting Diary at http://www.kidsdiscuss.com/parent_resource_center.asp?pr_id=kd006 It will become a family keepsake of your most cherished moments.
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