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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!

#1

Oh Dear Mom

Twitter post by a parent, detailing a humorous wrong way to solve a problem with overprotective parenting.

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debra robinson
Community Member
1 month ago

Unhinged twatbasket

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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 month ago

    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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    #3

    Anything For Clout

    A woman in a sari making a reel while her baby crawls towards a bridge edge, showing parents chose the absolute wrong way to solve a problem.

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    Miriam Insidecor
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    What an incredibly stupid person.

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    #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.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    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.

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    Tha Monkey
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    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 month ago

    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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    #7

    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.

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    Maartje
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    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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    #8

    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 month ago

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

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    #9

    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.

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    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    Like she can control it.

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    #10

    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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    AnnaB
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    'HIS' iPhone???

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    #11

    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.

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    Ashley Harrold
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    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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    #12

    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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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    Guilt tripping POS.

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    #13

    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 month ago

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

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    #14

    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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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    Give her a d**n door.

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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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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    And if the kid falls, her parents will sue.

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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
    1 month ago

    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 month ago

    Measles? Chicken pox?

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    #18

    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 month ago

    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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    #19

    Found This On Facebook

    A parent made a 7-year-old pay off an ER bill, which is the wrong way to solve a problem.

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    Ashley Harrold
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    They can't be serious

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    #20

    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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    TonjaLasagne
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    The wife is a pig. The end.

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    #21

    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 month ago

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

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    #22

    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 month 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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    #23

    I’m Not Good With Titles

    Reddit post by a parent describing their spoiled brother, highlighting a wrong way to solve a problem with parenting.

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    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    NINE?

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    #24

    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.

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    crashthegreenhat
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    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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    #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.

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    Maartje
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    oh god what happened to this world

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    #26

    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.

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    Doodles1983
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    Is that you, Kim?

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    #27

    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.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    W*f?

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    #28

    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
    1 month ago

    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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    #29

    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.

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    Lady Gypsy Rain
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    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.

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    #30

    Do Not Have A Baby

    Two baby onesies and wristbands with instructions for parents not to vaccinate or give eye ointment.

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    Angela Wollos
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    please don't procreate

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    #31

    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.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 month ago

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

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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.

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    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited)

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

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    #33

    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 month ago

    He also hates learning punctuation.

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    #34

    In Honor Of Tax Season

    Messages about parents giving wrong tax advice to their child.

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    Brian Droste
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited)

    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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    #35

    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.

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    Lady Gypsy Rain
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    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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    #36

    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.

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    Miriam Insidecor
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    Insane

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    #37

    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 month ago

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

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    #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.

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    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

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

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    #39

    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 month ago

    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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    #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 month ago

    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 month ago

    "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 month ago

    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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