I was at the Y waiting for my daughter. I could have been on the treadmill but no I was sitting reading. I was near the court where kids were practicing shooting basketballs and there was a four year old there who was practicing by himself. He practiced for one hour straight without taking a break while I was there. Just shooting balls one after another. I told his mother I was so impressed with his work ethic. She told me he had just come from a baseball class and wanted to shoot baskets. Those are the kids who you can bet money on. Not the ones with bragging parents.

She's delusional. There's nothing you can do or say that will stop her. I would just avoid, or if you can't do that, smile and nod.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think it’s just about sports. I’ve had friends like this regarding academics, or music, or theater too. For all of it, I’ve just found that nodding and saying something benign like it sounds like they really enjoy it, or I’m glad they’ve found something that makes them happy, etc. then change the subject.

I was a smart kid. My mom used to brag about me all the time, how I went to Harvard, etc. I really hated this growing up. Now she brags about my husband and my children.

I try not to brag about my kids. Now that I’m a parent, I understand how proud you are of your kids. I’m very proud of them.

Typical. This is why everyone hates on Harvard grads. We all got your point without that, but you guys can never resist.

Anonymous wrote:I am probably going to go to hell for this, but I love to play along. Like, “I want front row tickets to the superbowl when Larlo makes it as quarterback!”, “which nfl team does he want to play for?”.

Ask, “are the scouts calling yet? No? Hm. Well, I’m sure they will get around to him”.

When another parent joins you, say, “Larline was just telling me how Larlo is going to pro right out of high school!”

At least have some fun with it.

This is what my mom does! It’s really fun. You have to have to right personality for it though. It can’t sound sarcastic, but it can’t sound too serious either.

Anonymous wrote:You must really enjoy watching him progress! Did you go to the bake sale?

This is a great answer. Spot on. Just rinse and repeat OP.

I find people like this insufferable though so I would probably try to limit contact.

Unless they were a good friend, in which case I would tell them in a kind way that they're driving me nuts.

Anonymous wrote:"I would just say that the dementia risks of repeated traumatic brain injuries are too great for me to consider a career in such a sport for my children.

That should shut her up quickly, because it's a fundamental difference in values. it's not that you think her child will or will not be a good enough player. It's that you think the game is not worth pursuing beyond a few years of childhood fun."



Who peed in your cornflakes this morning?

It costs very little to be polite.

I think that poster above must be my sister, the know-it-all.

I am probably going to go to hell for this, but I love to play along. Like, “I want front row tickets to the superbowl when Larlo makes it as quarterback!”, “which nfl team does he want to play for?”.

Ask, “are the scouts calling yet? No? Hm. Well, I’m sure they will get around to him”.

When another parent joins you, say, “Larline was just telling me how Larlo is going to pro right out of high school!”

At least have some fun with it.

Anonymous wrote:I would just say that the dementia risks of repeated traumatic brain injuries are too great for me to consider a career in such a sport for my children.

That should shut her up quickly, because it's a fundamental difference in values. it's not that you think her child will or will not be a good enough player. It's that you think the game is not worth pursuing beyond a few years of childhood fun.

Who peed in your cornflakes this morning?

It costs very little to be polite.

I once wasn't thinking while someone was bragging to me for the 800th time and said "Yes, yes, you've told me before" and she abruptly stopped. We still chat but she doesn't brag anymore.