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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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    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…)

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

    My cousin had twins so identical that they put a temporary tattoo one one baby, to tell them apart.

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

    The last one..." Yes, my hands are full." She should add "so WHY are you standing here waisting my precious time and sanity asking me these dumb questions, Caption Obvious of the S.S Oblivious!?!?!"

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

    Yes I can tell them apart...until they switch bows

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

    Wish I had thought of this when mine were babies!!! I always got asked if I they were identical even tho they were boy/girl 😳🙄🤣

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

    My niece and nephew are twins and it's like a magical word. Baby? Cool, gonna need some info. Twins?! Gonna need all the infos ever.

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

    My girls are 18 and we still get all the questions when we go basically anywhere

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

    What website can I go to to print out and laminate a couple of copies of this??

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

    People are just trying to be friendly. Use it as a teaching moment for your kids and answer nicely!

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

    My grandma used to paint one of our pinky toe nails for the first year of our lives so that she could tell us apart. Lol

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

    I'm scared that if I ever have kids and they are twins, I name them and then get the names mixed up and "Amanda" was supposed to be Elizabeth and "Elizabeth" was supposed to be Amanda.

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

    My aunt is pretty sure she did this with my cousins.

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

    I use to say I found one in the parking lot and said why the hell not ?!! Lol

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

    Sitter, after giving the twins a bath: How do you tell them apart? Me: Easy, Kim always wears blue.

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

    Geez, calm down mother of twins. Acting all aggressive because of the small talk and curiosity they generate. When I walk my Maine C**n I’m happy to answer the same questions several times over in just one block, because I understand people are curious and fascinated. And I’m a nice person.

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

    That's nice. Walking a cat sometimes and giving birth to twins aren't exactly comparable experiences, though. And this is partially done for humor, so it could be considered not aggressive, but funny.

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

    I had a girlfriend who had identical twin sisters. I asked how she could tell them apart. She said, "I'm their sister." Ok, fine. After I met them I could easily tell them apart because there was a noticeable difference in their weight. 🙁

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

    this is the best lol... wonder if she'll end up with like, permanent versions of those pages in like, that fabric book material... and literally if someone has a question that isn't answered here, pretty sure they'll just keep their mouth shut...

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

    Been there, I would have one in my arms and holler at the other one, the kid in my arms would say "what" and they looked nothing alike.

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

    Do they do still take feet and hand prints at the hospital for the birth certificate? Just match fingerprints if you think you were switched.

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

    They. Are. So CUTE! And fraternal twins can run in families. Identical twins do not apparently.

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

    I have twins too. And yes- exactly ! 😉

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

    Yes, they are girl can't you tell by the silly little bows I put on their heads specifically to make that clear?

    H.L.Lewis
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People who can't tell twins apart are not really looking at them as individuals.

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

    Mum of identical boys here. Yes, you have to allow an extra fifteen minutes (minimum) every time you go shopping for the time taken up by random curious people. (I know they're just being friendly and interested but it is the same questions every time.)

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

    I've fantasized making fliers like this for myself..."My mental health has been up and down, but better lately, I love my job in reentry but don't get paid enough, I walk every day with my dog, he's 2 1/2 and his name is snacks, I jog, hike, and do hot yoga a few times a week, the family is well, oh, you saw my dad? yes, everyone runs into him at that coffee shop..."

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

    Wouldn't it be nice if no one cared to notice your boring babies? Whoop dee doo, you have two butts to clean.

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

    It would be super nice, that's probably why she's made the posters, because she's sick of people noticing

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

    I got that question sometimes too. Are they twins? Yes but he ate too much, so he's twice as big. There's 1,5 year inbetween.

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

    Looking at the pic, it seems one is a girl and the other boy. So one has a extra appendage. So easy to tell them apart

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

    They're identical. The person who dressed them gave them different color ribbons. It says on the left picture that they're identical.

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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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

    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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    averageparentproblems Report

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    mollymcnearney Report

    #34

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    averageparentproblems Report

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    #36

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    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

    Average-Parent-Problems-Instagram

    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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    averageparentproblems Report

    *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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