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Hugs, giggles, and their first I-love-yous, whopping bills, tantrums, and a constant state of worry – parenthood is a rocky journey that will reward you one day and make you contemplate your choices the next. 

It’s a common occurrence to feel exhausted and burnt out; at the end of the day, it’s not your usual 9 to 5 where you eagerly await tapping out on a lovely Friday evening, knowing that you’ve got a couple of days to spend in your own company. 

Caring for a child can suck the life out of you, especially given how the modern world expects you to juggle a million things at a time. It’s a demanding job that needs your complete dedication; however, it’s crucial to realize that everyone feels the weight of parenthood at some point or another, so don’t beat yourself up over it, and get ready to have a little fun with these parenting memes. 

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It goes without saying that becoming a parent is a tremendously difficult experience.

You may compare it to sailing into a storm on a shaky ship, or riding a rollercoaster – you know, bumpy and filled with twisty paths.

Now, of course, it’s also a very rewarding thing, but in addition to the deepest sentiments of love and joy, being a parent may cause you to feel the most worry, stress, frustration, wrath, and hatred you have ever felt in a relationship with another person.

But what’s a better way to remind yourself that you’re not alone than to look at some memes? Average Parent Problems is an Instagram page that dedicates its postings to, well, parenting and its universally experienced problems. The page currently has over 458K followers and is run by an influencer called Ilana Wiles.

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    Let’s learn a little more about the creator of the page! Ilana describes herself in the following manner on her blog, Mommy Shorts: “I’m a working mom from NYC who writes a blog instead of sleeping. I have two daughters. Harlow is seven years old and Mazzy is ten. If you think you have more adorable children, Mazzy and Harlow will challenge your children to a cuteness contest. Where everyone will automatically tie. Because pitting our kids against each other is totally NOT COOL. (Although I do it all the time.)”

    The blogger then added: “I worked as a creative director in advertising for over 15 years before I quit to focus on Mommy Shorts full-time in November 2013. Using this blog to earn a living is more work than I ever imagined but nothing beats the flexibility of running your own business when you have kids.”

    #4

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

    Screen_Addict
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... and that one weirdo in the background

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    Data from a 2020 poll by diaper-rash firm Boudreaux’s Butt Paste shows that just 12% of parents feel ready when they have their first kid, and most of you would probably agree that such a figure isn’t particularly shocking.

    The idea that people can only be ready for children after checking off certain items on a checklist has been floating about for a very long time. And while it’s unquestionably true that having a degree and a stable and well-paying career, being in a secure relationship, and owning a home will allow you to handle parenthood better, there’s one aspect of this notion that is a little faulty: you will never truly be “ready” to have kids.

    It's sort of similar to how you’re already considered an adult, but despite that, no matter how many birthdays pass, you simply never feel like one.

    #6

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    middleageriot Report

    Screen_Addict
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's gonna cringe so hard when he grows up and learns about this :/

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    Time will tick, and chances are that you won’t ever wake up and suddenly feel like you’re finally in the right position to tackle parenthood. 

    For instance, most individuals choose to delay having children until they are financially stable – however, let’s face it, there’s no such thing as “enough money,” unless you’re one of the Kardashians of course. Now, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get prepared at all; it just means that there isn’t a clear checkpoint for that.

    You can never know enough, which is another important aspect to remember. Most people have no idea what they’re doing with their lives, let alone what they should be doing and/or how they should care for another human being.

    #7

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    Beagz Report

    Headless Roach
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Be careful where you keep the stash though, Easter bunny search reveals all your secrets

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    #9

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    XplodingUnicorn Report

    Headless Roach
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm starting a pyramid scheme with this kid

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    We’re all learning as we go, and let’s not forget that every child is unique, so you won’t be able to find a manual that will provide you with all the advice you need to make the process smooth and easy. Do whatever you see fit, read as many guides as you want, and take however much time you need – but do it with confidence and don’t compare yourself to others.

    #11

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    averageparentproblems Report

    kitten levels tokyo
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, I can tell them apart. How? I’m their mom… (One twin has a giant magic marker “X” on their chest…)

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    #12

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    averageparentproblems Report

    Screen_Addict
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is me but with my siblings

    DancingPanda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Don’t touch meeeeee” “I’m not touching you!” “I FEEL THE HEAT FROM YOUR FINGER YOU ARE TOUCHING ME” “HEY GET YOUR FOOT OUT OF MY FACE” “It’s not in your face” “I CAN SMELL IT GET IT AWAY FROM ME YOUR FEET STINK!” “WELL ITS YOUR FAULT FOR TOUCHING ME” “I. DID. NOT. TOUCH. YOU.” “YES. YOU. DID!” Growing up with siblings

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    David Martin
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At one point in Disneyland, while using the restroom, I overheard a father talking his small child through the bathroom process. Everything was going so well, he had that calm, almost sing-song parenting voice...until suddenly, I hear frantic yelling of "No! No! Don't touch that with your penis!" Because that's the stuff parenting books never prepare you for

    CultOfBambi
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had my cousin and her family over for a BBQ and their toddler came up to where I was cooking and looked like he was about to touch the BBQ lid, which was very hot. I don't have kids and don't spend a lot of time around kids so I didn't know any better. Instead of grabbing him and moving him away I just said "Don't touch that!" Thinking he'd listen. He was obviously at a stage of development where he was being defiant because he just scowled at me and quickly put his hand on it. He started screaming and his parents quickly stopped what they were doing and rushed over. He had to go to A&E (Emergency room) but luckily no lasting damage. I was a nervous wreck after that, anytime someone with kids visited, and I made sure to warn them that my house is not child friendly and I am not a 'kid person' so you better keep an eye on your offspring at all times.

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    goodguybrad
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    im not a toddler but i can totally relate

    Brenda Spagnola-Wilson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Grandson, 14mo, recently started doing this. I laughed when my son complained!

    Elizabeth VanDyke
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kids, no matter their age, like to look at you as if you were stupid.

    Debs Bee
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm the one who touched my hot plate after the server warns me that it's hot.

    Thatoneperson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hold up a sec... Why am I on here....

    Su Boddie
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My son stopped when he felt the heat. My nephew stopped when he touched the heat. They were both 3.

    RawPapaya
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My toddler has learnt to disobey. Anything I say, is not to be done! Period.

    Richard Anderson
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    45 years old and if I see a don't touch sign, the first thing I want to do is touch.

    GoldfishCrackers
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Oh, but I’m just touching it by accident”

    Heather Gray
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's like a magnetic part of the brain sends a signal to your finger when told "Don't Touch"

    Amy Bindokas
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m a adult I’ve got a mortgage I would still do this

    Junior Farrell
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have and probably will do this again.

    best turtle
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    either the tiny poke or the slap that breaks through reality

    Alexander Izzo
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    POV childhood mommmmm hes touching meeeeeeeee.

    Alice in Hell
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this and I'm a grandma....I just cant help myself.

    Amity Blight
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the one friend with no sense of personal space:

    Good Luckas
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    Bored Panda hopes that you’ve enjoyed this humorous yet very relatable ensemble of parenthood memes! Give Ilana a follow and don’t forget to let us know which post resonated with you the most.

    #13

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    whalefern Report

    Screen_Addict
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's more believable without the 4th bowl, trust me.

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    #15

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    averageparentproblems Report

    Pedantic Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spend months teaching them to walk and talk, then years telling them to sit down and be quiet.

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    #17

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    yehudi_eyif Report

    #18

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

    #19

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

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    #20

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    joebirbigs Report

    Heather Resatz
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh man and all the paperwork!! Newsletters!! Fund raising!! .. jeez!!

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    #21

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    Headless Roach
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perhaps just occasionally check if i have enough wine thank you very much

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    #22

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    Cassandra Wee
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents keeps my daughters artwork from aged 6months old to this day when she is now 8! 😑

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    #23

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    lauralett50
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The look on William . Honey, every damn day.

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    #24

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    averageparentproblems Report

    #25

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

    Pedantic Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Christmas for kids is based on a web of lies anyway.

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    #27

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    Headless Roach
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "You keep reading there, I'll just close my eyes and listen."

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    #28

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    kitten levels tokyo
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For people with no kids the most relaxing thing in the world is to watch parents run around like crazy people.

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    #30

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    averageparentproblems Report

    *Displayname*=idk
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same with siblings. When my siblings went to bed it was game time. You get to eat all the snacks they want to eat just because you could.

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    #31

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    simoncholland Report

    Screen_Addict
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No shes building a new economy with the items in the home section

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    #32

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    kitten levels tokyo
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A “Personal Pool” is way better than a “family pool.”

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    #33

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    mollymcnearney Report

    #34

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

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    #36

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    MichaelaOkla Report

    Screen_Addict
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually I'm going as an introvert... so bye

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    #38

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    bessbell Report

    *Displayname*=idk
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never understood much about boy bands, or why people obsess over them. Like, they are just people who sing songs with their bros..?

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    #39

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    SamGreszes Report

    Pedantic Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not sure how this is parenting, unless I'm missing something?

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    #40

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    *Displayname*=idk
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom told us we were not allowed to play that anymore. (cause we were too "loud") EDIT: Why are people being so mean about my grammar. Grammar is not my strong suit, so why judge me? I say the word "cause", because I was raised with that word. I see nothing wrong. And what good does being mean do? And just know that some people don't take bullying well. I have been bullied practically my whole life, and I will not let it continue. It helps nobody. Also @gas station cola, if you are so concerned about grammar why don't you become a grammar teacher, maybe fix your first letters of your username to a capital letters.

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