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Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and it’s impossible to be perfect at it. No matter how much you love your children, there will be days when you accidentally drop them off at school wearing two different pairs of shoes or make them instant noodles for dinner because you just don’t have the energy to cook. No parent deserves to be crucified for these moments. 

But there are some things that moms and dads definitely do deserve to be shamed for. We visited a community on Reddit that is dedicated to calling out the most questionable decisions that parents have ever made. From giving a baby a cell phone to putting a child on a motorcycle without a helmet, it’s clear that Mom and Dad don’t always know best. Good luck making it through this list without wanting to call child protective services, pandas, and be sure to upvote the pics that you find most appalling!

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    #2

    Quora Has Some Gems

    A parent asks about a 16-year-old son who won't shave; the response suggests parents should grow up.

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    Con O Cuinn
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My uncle had long hair that my granny hated so she tried to cut it in his sleep, because she was nuts like that. But obviously he was lying on part of his head and she couldn't get it, and thought he'd be forced to go and get a proper haircut now. Nope, walked around with that mess for months to spite her.

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    While having kids certainly isn’t for everyone, it is the path that most people take in many countries. The United States Census Bureau reports that from age 30 onward, the majority of women are mothers. Meanwhile, about 6 in ten men over the age of 15 are fathers.

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    Because having children is so common, the decision to have a kid isn’t always taken as seriously as it should be. Some people never planned on it but decided to go through with an unexpected pregnancy. Others may have been looking forward to it, but they failed to understand just how drastically a child would impact their life. Nothing can truly prepare you for parenthood, but the more you know, the better. Because an unprepared or disengaged parent might end up getting roasted on a list just like this. 

    #4

    It’s Normal!

    A parent shares an image of a huge hole in the wall, expressing frustration over having to pay for the damage.

    enaunkark Report

    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The kids are your responsibility, the damage they cause are your responsibility.

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    #5

    We Know Everything About You

    Twitter thread by parents, humorously showcasing a wrong way to solve a problem with parenting.

    Witty_Operation2486 Report

    Tha Monkey
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so sweet; I'm pretty sure my parents never read any of the stories I wrote in school (and I really loved writing). :|

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    #6

    Limiting The Amount Of Water Your Child Can Drink

    A screenshot of a Reddit post where parents are limiting their son's water intake, causing a problem.

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    Angela Wollos
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wow! way to deprive your child of a necessity of life. children cost money. is this a surprise to you? take yourselves to the Dr to find out if there's something wrong with you.

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    Now, we want to make it clear that this list is not meant to shame all parents. We completely understand that nobody is perfect, and all moms and dads have days when it feels like nothing is going right. But being extremely entitled or making choices that place your children in danger definitely shouldn’t go unchecked.

    Johns Hopkins reports that nearly half of children growing up in the United States are exposed to traumatic social or family experiences during childhood. While parents can’t protect their kids from everything, they are sometimes responsible for these experiences. And this can have a lifelong impact on kids, sometimes even leading to them becoming estranged from their parents in adulthood. 

    #7

    Mum Is Angry At Her Child For Growing

    A Reddit post about parents who chose the wrong way to solve a problem with a teenager growing out of clothes.

    Maede_Salmon Report

    #8

    Family Had Symptoms Of Covid But Sent Child To School Regardless

    A parent tweets about another parent who chose the wrong way to solve a problem: sending a COVID-positive child to school.

    Witty_Operation2486 Report

    Maartje
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, Trump went to a banquet while waiting for the results of his (positive) Covid test. Apparently you cannot infect anyone while waiting for the test results. /s

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    #9

    Father Abandons 7-Year-Old On Mount Fuji To Reach Summit

    A newspaper article describes parents leaving a 7-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji, an absolute wrong way to solve a problem.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Safely reunited with his father? How about he is given to a family member who cares for the kid?

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    Mark Travers, PhD, wrote a piece for Psychology Today about how even good parents can traumatize their children unintentionally. First, he notes that parents can do damage by failing to tune in for their kids, even if they do care for them. Kids need more than just food and a roof over their heads to thrive. They need emotional support, someone who will listen to them, someone who is invested in their accomplishments, and of course, lots of love.   

    #10

    They'd Better Not Sue When That Child Is Yeeted Off A Ride Like A Drunken Flea

    Batman shoes with detachable platforms, illustrating a clever but wrong way to solve a problem for Disney rides.

    Lil-Miss-Anthropy Report

    Ashley Harrold
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a reason for the limit. It's terrifying that he's willing to let his child get hurt instead of taking turns on rides

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    #11

    Yes, The Problem Is Definitely Not That You Gave A Phone To A 2 Year Old!

    A parent asks what else to do after taking an iPhone from a 2-year-old who said a bad word.

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    #12

    Kid Got The Wrong Bag Of Cookies LOL

    A parent's wrong way to solve a problem, packing pet rabbit treats for a child's snack.

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    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Ypur mother was a hamster and your father smells of elderberries"

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    In the same vein, Dr. Travers warns that parents can harm their kids by failing to give them emotional feedback. When kids are left to try to understand and navigate their feelings completely on their own, they can become confused or overwhelmed easily. They might wonder whether what they’re feeling is normal at all, and they might struggle to find healthy coping mechanisms.  

    #13

    I Wonder Why The Kid Needs A Door

    A social media post from a parent asking for advice about their 16-year-old daughter who wants a door.

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    #14

    My Moms Response To Me Sending Her Flowers For Mother’s Day

    A text message shows a parent telling their child, You failed, indicating a problematic approach to parenting.

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    #15

    I Have No Words

    A young child stands on a counter at a restaurant while a parent stands nearby, showing a parenting problem.

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    Something else children desperately need from their parents is affection. But it can’t just come and go sporadically; it has to be consistent. Dr. Travers explains that children who cannot rely on their parents to provide affection will learn to minimize their feelings. In adulthood, they will likely be uncomfortable asking for support or showing vulnerability, and they may chronically feel lonely.   

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    #16

    Why Is She Still With Him!?

    A parent's wrong way to solve a problem, leaving a child alone in a shopping cart.

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    Marno C.
    Community Member
    23 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe he's saying that because HE doesn't want her and that's why he doesn't take her safety seriously?

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    #17

    This Is A New Low

    A parent choosing the wrong way to solve a problem, asking if a rash on a child's back is from too much screen time.

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    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Measles? Chicken pox?

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    #18

    Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago

    A review complains about a child trying to pet a zebra at a zoo, demonstrating a parent's wrong way to solve a problem.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder why they had a fence? It is almost as if the animals might be dangerous.

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    Something that many people refuse to accept is that not all parents are happy with their choice to have kids. And while this does not justify treating them poorly, it may explain it in some cases. A 2021 YouGov survey found that one in twelve parents actually regret having children. They would probably never say this outloud, and they likely felt extreme guilt admitting it. But this is just one more reason why the decision to have children should never be taken lightly. Kids deserve the best, and their parents should be sure that they want them.  

    #19

    How Do You Let Your Children Live In Such Filth?

    An extremely messy car interior, illustrating a parent's wrong way to maintain their vehicle.

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    YakFactory
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Use that empty box, and put all the rubbish in it. Then find a rubbish bin and empty the box into it. Not that hard, is it?

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    #20

    Way To Get Your Kid To Hate You In The Future

    A mum gives her son an old man haircut to keep him home during the pandemic, a parent's wrong way to solve a problem.

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    Lukas (he/him)
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Haircuts grow out, and this was apparently posted by the barber, not the parents. This kid is old enough to know to stay inside during a f​uc​ki​ng pandemic. My nephew was a teenager and living with us during quarrantine, and I still remember how angry I was when he snuck out to hang out with freinds during the height of it- my parents are older and high-risk. The kid's face was censored, his parents didn't post this, hair grows back. If he couldn't keep his a​s​s inside, he deserved it.

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    #21

    My Wife Ate My Son's Birthday Breakfast

    A partially eaten pastry in a container, illustrating a parent's wrong way to solve a problem with food.

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    If you’ve never felt the desire to become a parent, that’s perfectly fine. In fact, it’s great that you recognized that in yourself before making a huge mistake. Nowadays, people are becoming much more vocal about their choice to remain childfree, and slowly but surely, society is placing less pressure on adults to start a family. Many people believe that it’s better to regret not having kids than to regret bringing a child into the world. So if you’re confident in your choice not to become a parent, know that you’re not alone!  

    #23

    On A Post Calling Parents That Don’t Get Their Kids To Believe In Santa “Sad”

    A Reddit thread discussing how parents solve problems by threatening to cancel a family holiday.

    Muted-Rise-8764 Report

    crashthegreenhat
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh yes we do have ways of knowing. For example, you broadcasting your emotional a***e on a public forum is one.

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    #24

    I'm Pretty Sure You Aren't Supposed To Do This. At Least She Had A Helmet On

    A parent and child ride a motorcycle, showcasing a wrong way to solve a transportation problem.

    Unhappy-Landscape232 Report

    Lady Gypsy Rain
    Community Member
    Premium
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can remember as a kid around that age, my step, soon to be adoptive, father would take me to school like this. I had to wear long pants, preferably denim, and a helmet. And he was extra mindful about how he drove.

    CD King
    Community Member
    17 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From the looks of his back tires he also likes to do burn outs in his spare time.

    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OK parent can get road rash that's fine but not to have your kid wear protective clothing is dreadful.

    Babs Ishkabibble
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, and I love that bald a*s tire. Sweet.

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eh? No, that's not bald, loads of life left in it. The tread pattern is what it looks like brand new (although obviously it is not).

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    TonjaLasagne
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kiddo has pegs that she can reach, is wearing an helmet, but needs a jacket. My son rode on the back of my bike when he was around 7 or 8 and he now owns three motorcycles himself, including the 2002 Triumph Daytona 955i CE that I gifted to him because I wasn't riding it enough.

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's legal in most places as long as they can reach the footrests. Looks like they've added special ones for the child, but I don't know if that would count.

    Strings
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Generally, the "child foot pegs" count. But I certainly wouldn't allow a kid on the back without a sissy bar to keep them in place

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    Angelyn Poole
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think the driver is old enough to even drive, let alone take this little girl with him.

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    What do you think of the photos featured on this list, pandas? While they are amusing, some might make you worry for the children involved in these situations. Keep upvoting the pics that you find most appalling, and let us know in the comments below how you feel about these parents’ questionable choices. Then, if you’re interested in reading another article from Bored Panda featuring parents who could use a reality check, we recommend checking out this one next! 

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    #25

    They Really Are Having Kids Just For The Content

    An email from a visibly pregnant parent traveling with a toddler, potentially a wrong way to solve a problem.

    BloodwineSupernova Report

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    #27

    And How Did You Lose Your Kid Again?

    A small child climbs inside a claw machine, a parent's wrong way to solve a problem.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Apparently this happens more often than you may think. I just saw a video from Japan where a kid did the same thing! I've seen others as well. You'd think the machines would be designed so kids can't get inside - but apparently that's not the case.

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    #28

    Why?! ( Found This On A Facebook Group Page )

    Text reads, Seeking an individual to do some facial piercings for my daughter who is 13, highlighting poor parental choices.

    Spooky_scary_sheri95 Report

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    #29

    Parents Are Asking For Tips At Kids' Birthday Parties Now

    A newspaper headline about parents divided over a birthday party trend of asking guests to tip. Some parents solve problems this way.

    leigstonite Report

    #30

    In Honor Of Tax Season

    Messages about parents giving wrong tax advice to their child.

    smalltown_dreamspeak Report

    Brian Droste
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Depends on your age and whether you are working. Unless you are going to college, once you turn 18 even though you are living at home, especially if you are working I believe you are not a dependent any longer. Even if you make below to claim taxes you still have to fill out a tax form.

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    #32

    7yo Gets Bullied At School For Sitting In A Car Seat, So Mom Waits Until He's Asleep, Takes A Photo Of Him, And Posts It On The Official Parents Magazine Instagram Page (855k Followers)

    A 7-year-old child in a baby seat in the car, a problem for parents concerned about teasing.

    ludic_sottisier Report

    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should remember he might be the one to choose the care home.

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    #33

    Wait Until She Learns About "Real World" Office Jobs

    A meme discussing a homeschooling stereotype. It is one of many ways parents solve problems with education.

    leigstonite Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a lot realer that what they're allowed to experience at home.

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    #34

    You Do Know There's Such A Thing As "In Moderation", Right?

    A parent's strict approach to kids' diet: no junk food. It is one way parents solve problems.

    leigstonite Report

    Lady Gypsy Rain
    Community Member
    Premium
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s far better to teach moderation. When you make foods off limits, kids will find a way to sneak them in and they won’t know how to enjoy things in moderation.

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    #35

    Had To Take A Picture Before I Called The Cops

    A small child stuck between deck railings, demonstrating a parent's wrong way to ensure safety.

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    Lukas (he/him)
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah taking a picture in this case is okay. He's already in there, he's not suffocating, he'll probably laugh at this when he's older.

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    #36

    He Really Said 'Permanent Decisions, Temporary Feelings'

    A tattoo on a man's back reads I HATE MY KID'S MOM'S, depicting a parent's wrong way to express feelings.

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    Hissyfit
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He also hates learning punctuation.

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    #37

    Parent Going To The Extreme To Teach Kids A Lesson?

    A woman in a leopard-print suit vacuuming, while two children watch. This is how parents solve problems by encouraging kids to clean.

    holygoat_t Report

    #38

    Dumb And Useless Parents Risking Their Child’s Safety On The Road

    Parents on a scooter with a baby, highlighting a wrong way to solve a problem with child safety.

    iluvrachelgreen Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Almost any Asian city, often with a whole family aboard.

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    #39

    Just Living The Jream

    Fastest rising girl names in the US, an example of parents choices.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Salome? Really? Way to get ahead in the dancing game.

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    #40

    Spell Checking Your Child's Diary For Linkedin Points

    Facebook post by a parent, humorously describing a wrong way to solve a childs spelling and language problem.

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    YakFactory
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are you reading your child's diary? Unless it's a school diary, give your child some respect and privacy.

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    #41

    Coder Mom Gets Mad At Her Son For Using His Resources

    A tweet showing a parent snitching on her son for googling test answers, a problem with online finals.

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    Lukas (he/him)
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Gets Mad At Her Son For Using His Resources"? No, he was cheating. Test taking isn't always about the actual knowledge, it's about building skills and using your brain.

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    #42

    What Were They Thinking?

    A baby in a wire cage hanging out of a window, representing a parent's wrong way to solve a problem.

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    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think the argument was that babies should get fresh air, and depending on when the photo was taken, the living conditions inside (tenement in the early 1900s?) might be xtremely cramped. The picture does make me uncomfortable, though. An accident waiting to happen

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