Personally I loved to hear about other people’s kids and their accomplishments. I also love to see your family pictures LOL!! I think these articles make normal people paranoid of bothering someone. It is a more civilized and joyful society when parents are proud of their children.
Why can't people simply listen politely like adults, even if they are irritated? And then not go and speak ill of the parents behind their backs. If the braggers are that annoying these folks shouldn't get chummy with them anyway, unless it's really just a weird codependency thing to begin with.
What if a person perceives (rightly or wrongly) that another person brags about his kids or dog or garden or Harley or whatever. He could elect to have the grace to let it go in one ear and out the other, and have the class not to speak ill of the supposed bragger.
Maybe the offended/annoyed are insecure more than anything else. Really, if parents are boasting about their kids, what of it? Sure better than people whining about braggers, lol. :)