75 Times Parents Were Left Thinking: “Why Did I Sign Up For This?”

Problematic and inappropriate behavior can seem troubling, but you’re not powerless as a parent. There are things you can do to teach your children to be kinder and more supportive. This goes beyond setting rules and expectations, however. You also need clear communication, empathy, consistency, and actually modeling the behavior you want to see.

According to Marriage.com , kids learn best when they are motivated and engaged. So, you can embrace playful parenting as a means of connecting to them and teaching them appropriate behaviors. You can use games, humor, and imaginative play to teach them all about boundaries, consequences, and social interactions.

“Playful moments strengthen the connection between you and your partner when you join in games with your kids, you share vulnerability, laughter, and create a mutual sense of safety that brings you closer.”

Meanwhile, Erin Leyba, L.C.S.W., Ph.D., the author of Joy Fixes for Weary Parents: 101 Quick, Research-Based Ideas for Overcoming Stress and Building a Life You Love, emphasizes that many so-called ‘naughty’ behaviors that children exhibit are actually developmental and human.

“Some of kids' unwelcome behaviors are simply reactions to environmental conditions, developmental phases, or adults' actions,” she writes.

What parents can and should do is be more consistent with limits and boundaries. Inconsistency leads to frustration, whining, crying, or yelling.

Furthermore, children easily pick up on their parents’ moods. “If we are stressed, distracted, down, or always-on-the-verge-of-frustrated, kids emulate these moods. When we are peaceful and grounded, kids model off that instead," Leyba says.

One of the online communities that we’re featuring today jokes about posting reasons for parents “to have used protection” and how it is “too late now.” The emphasis, of course, is on humor, not criticizing anyone’s choices to become a parent or not.

The group, created all the way back in May 2020, has been making people laugh for over 6 years. And the group’s popularity doesn’t seem to be waning any time soon. The content is far too relatable! Not to mention funny.

Earlier, Bored Panda reached out to the moderator team that runs the online community. One of the friendly members of their team, u/neuroticsmurf, walked us through what the community does, parenting as a whole, and the role that humor plays throughout everything.

According to them, the core idea behind the group “was always to appreciate the humor in the toughest of parenting moments.”

The challenges that the parents who made these online posts face are almost universal. The details might differ, sure. However, the sense that you’re overwhelmed, potentially burning out, and left questioning your role as a parent is very relatable.

And that, in itself, is a comforting idea: you most definitely are not alone, no matter how bad things seem. There are plenty of parents out there, struggling just like you are, ready to support you.

"Those moments when your kids exasperate you so much, you begin to question whether you made the right choice to become a parent in the first place," the moderator shared with Bored Panda.

"When you look back on those moments with the benefit of hindsight, they’re usually pretty funny. They were awful at the time, but tragedy + time = comedy!"

Looking for the silver lining, having a good sense of humor, and being able to laugh at yourself can help you weather even the toughest parenting moments. Laughter does not diminish the reasons behind your frustrations, but it does give you the tools to be more resilient.

Moreover, laughter is good for your physical and mental health, as it reduces stress, boosts your immune system, and distracts you from ruminating about your problems.

What’s more, humor can help you shift your perspective toward something more productive.

"When I was in school, I had a friend who wasn't a great student. Each time our algebra teacher handed back our graded quizzes, my friend would take a look at his grade, let out a defeated chuckle, and just bury his head on his desk. Our teacher finally asked him why he always laughed. She didn't think his grades were very funny. In response, he said, 'Well, I can't cry about it.' No one is going to hate a kid for being a kid. But we can laugh about it," the moderator said.

"When you have a moment as a parent that makes you question your decision not to wear [protection] that time long ago, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and consider what a great story you’ll be able to tell at your kid's wedding someday," the mod said.

“And remember: Stories are always best accompanied by pictures, so get that camera phone out!"

We’d like to hear your perspective. Join the conversation in the comments!

Whether you’re a parent or not, what are the most hilarious and awful things that you’ve personally witnessed children do?

What words of wisdom would you share with new parents who are stressed out, completely overwhelmed, and running on barely any sleep?

Let us know!