Competition Among Moms

Someone has to be the first to break out of the "arms race" of competition. Why not let it be you? There are a couple of things to keep in mind about bragging.

First of all, sometimes we don't even realize when we're doing it. We all love to talk about ourselves and share details of what's going on in our lives. That's what friends are for, right? But we need to just listen sometimes. We also need to remember to try not to brag about things that might be sensitive spots for our friends. For example, if a friend's child is having a hard time learning to read, it would be kind to hold back on bragging that your child has just finished Harry Potter.

Second, remember that we all long for validation that we're doing the right thing as parents. When we are making different choices from friends and family, it is natural—though naturally annoying—to defend our own parenting style. We all need to accept that there is more than one way to be a good parent and bite our tongues sometimes rather than engaging in debate or one-upsmanship.

Parenthood creates a sense of vulnerability in all of us. Good friends learn how to support each other's strengths rather than needle their weaknesses.