Here's another tip:
Be ready in public, when the well meaning strangers start to gush over you child's brains or beauty. It's much better to praise attributes that are develop-able such as persistience or curiosity, than to be praised for characteristics one has no control over.
So when a well-meaning person says "How beautiful" or "How smart!" is't best to do an "Agree-Deflect" such as "Yes, she loves to learn new things!" or "Yes, Isn't it nice to see healthy curiosity at work?" or "Yes, she's a very hard worker!" or "Yes, I think her kindness to others makes her very attractive!" It may sound canned, but I imagine you've already been in that uncomfortable situation. I think the worst is when we try to deny it altogether - which I did as well, out of some misplaced 'politeness.'
All these ideas are from Sylvia Rim's books, and I've used them over the years to good effect.
Welcome,
Grinity
