The Difference Between Bragging and Sharing

By Donna Shea & Nadine Briggs

For some kids in our social groups, the ability to share something positive without sounding as though they are bragging is a tricky skill to master. Here are the tips from our book to help kids understand the difference.

We all want to share our experiences or new, cool things we have, with our friends or other people.  Sharing these things is great and there are ways to share that create interest in what you want to show or tell.  Frequent bragging about what you have done, what you can do, or what you have, might make other people uncomfortable and even want to avoid you.

1. Think about words that are used that can make the difference between sharing and bragging.  Avoid any “mine is better than yours” or “I am better at that than you” statements.
2. Ask if the other person wants to see or hear about your new toy/game/experience.
3. If the other person does not want you to share your toy/game/experience, respect him or her by not sharing it, even if you really want to.
4. Show or share without commenting on whether the other person has the item or has had the experience.
5. Let the person respond to whatever it is you are sharing without you telling them how wonderful it is.
6. Offer to let the other person touch or use it your toy or game.
7. Take turns with your toy or game.
8. If your friend seems jealous, put it away and do not discuss it anymore.
9. If you are accused of bragging but you did not mean to, say “I didn’t mean to brag, I just wanted to share.”  If you feel like someone is bragging to you, you can say “That feels a little bit like bragging to me.”
10. Watch the other person’s reaction to your sharing and end it when he or she starts to look away or otherwise looks bored.