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Parenting is one of life’s biggest and most enjoyable challenges. Helping your children grow into incredibly capable, morally upstanding, and passionate dreamers is every parent’s wish. However… we sometimes lose faith in the future of the human race when we see how some parents are acting online. The sad fact is, just because someone is a parent doesn’t mean that they’re a good one (even if they love their kids as much as anyone else).

There’s an online group on Reddit with 245k members called '[Stuff] Mom Groups Say' that’s been active since 2018. It's dedicated to shaming bad moms and all of their mom group drama. From anti-vaxx showdowns to debates about essential oils, the subreddit believes that these parents deserve to be called out for their behavior that, frankly, causes more harm than good.

Scroll down to lose a chunk of your faith in humanity, upvote the best of the worst pics, and do let us know what you think about these anti-parents, dear Pandas. Bored Panda spoke about the drama and misinformation that sometimes can be found in social media mom groups with the moderators of the '[Stuff] Mom Groups Say' subreddit, as well as with Samantha Scroggin, the founder of the 'Walking Outside in Slippers' parenting blog. Check out what they had to say below to pick up some great advice.

#1

This Mom On Why She Is Refusing The Big C19 Vaccine

This Mom On Why She Is Refusing The Big C19 Vaccine

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Jonathan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This needs to stop. There are a lot of Muslims in my country that refuse to get the vaccine because people are saying there is pork in it!!

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#2

Why Do They All Have To Hate Science Though?

Why Do They All Have To Hate Science Though?

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#3

Why Are Karen’s So Against Thermometers? Don’t Consent! Bonus Snark At The End

Why Are Karen’s So Against Thermometers? Don’t Consent! Bonus Snark At The End

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Julie C Rose
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And yet I bet if their government talked about banning ACTUAL assault weapons due to someone ACTUALLY shooting children, she’d screech about “communism”.

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"In my experience with online parenting communities, it's best to abide by the rules posted in these groups. Usually, that means no selling anything and no foul language, at a minimum. I generally try to be patient with people and open to different viewpoints, but it's aggravating when people are acting ignorant or spreading misinformation. In those cases, I try to give evidence of the facts without personal attacks," parenting blogger Samantha said.

Samantha used to be a professional journalist and is now a public information officer which means that she's very wary of fake facts. "Parents will make all kinds of claims in parenting groups online, including that vaccines are harmful. They'll recommend all sorts of remedies. But it's up to us to seek out reputable sources of information to help us make our own decisions on what's best for our kids," she warned that we have to do proper research instead of believing every bit of advice that we find online.

"I think we should reserve judgment of others' parenting styles when the actions taken are harmful to the child. And I realize what is harmful is open to interpretation. But if no one is being abused, let's have some grace for one another and the choices we make. Each child is different, and parents often know what works best for their child. Parenting is hard, and we can use as much support as we can get," she added.

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#4

I Asked About Learning Activities For My Toddler

I Asked About Learning Activities For My Toddler

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Mohsie Supposie
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"kindergarten as it is now" ... I don't know what kind of kindergarten you have, but the ones that I know of involve a lot of play time and fun activities, including learning social skills. Of course kindergarten teachers are well aware of kids' short attention spans, so they would plan the activities and learning accordingly.

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#5

Saw This And Just Knew It Belonged Here

Saw This And Just Knew It Belonged Here

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#6

The Mom Group I'm In Is A Goldmine For Crazy. I Posted About My 2 Year Old Asking For Privacy In The Bathroom And This Was A Comment I Got

The Mom Group I'm In Is A Goldmine For Crazy. I Posted About My 2 Year Old Asking For Privacy In The Bathroom And This Was A Comment I Got

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Deborah B
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless your kid has special needs, or won't bathe without you present to enforce it, age 7 is probrably the max for needing supervision, with possible exception of hair-washing.

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Shazz Winchester
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kinda... inappropriate. "It's okay, I'm your Mom" is not a reason to deny your kid's privacy, they need that space too, as soon as they become aware of it, and feel "shy" **there's no English word that I can think of for the word I was thinking when I typed "Shy"**. What a wench. Independence cannot be expected of any child who is babied like that.

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J. Normal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plus she shows the kid no respect. (and your choice of words was perfect!)

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Martha Meyer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my God, those poor kids! They'll either go completely crazy, when they are finally 18 or they'll be incapable of doing anything at all for themselves.

njoshi82 avatar
TheGirlWithTheZen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So its not normal, right? A friend has an 8 year old who needs her or his grandmom in the bathroom with him, if he's pooping or bathing!! And they both (mom and grandmom) act like its normal !

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Vicky Zar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's their lives. If the child wants it, I think it's ok. Maybe he is scared to be alone or something. He might need help from a professional, but I don't think denying his wish would help him.

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Shannon Murdock
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have better things to do than sit on the toilet and wait for my son to shower. This is absolutely ridiculous.

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Viviane
Community Member
3 years ago

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BluEyedSeoulite
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shared a 1 bathroom house with my mom and sister. Showering was the most privacy any of us got but when we still used the toilet while the other was showering. It wasn't a "waiting for you to finish showering" but a "nature's calling and I can't wait" issue! Sounds really weird otherwise

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J. Normal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son was/ is very modest about his body. He was probably about 2 or 3 when he HATED me bathing him and would have a fit. I gave him a wash cloth to cover and he was fine. I have always tried to respect his modesty. When he got old enough to wash himself, I put a baby monitor in the room so I could hear him.

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

Yep. When I worked in childcare, they'd start at 2 years old. Yelling at classmates to go away. Their body is theirs.

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sturmwesen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ex of a friend was brought snacks while in the tub from his mom. He was sixteen. I on the otherhand would not change naked in front of my mom when I was 12.

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OhForSmegSake
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I became nanny to a 9-10yr old girl after her mother left. I began teaching her how to self care and do a few household chores (with Dad's approval). When the mother came to visit she went berserk at me for not getting on my knees and bathing her almost pubescent daughter in the bathtub every night, as well as "forcing" her to make her bed

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deanna woods
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it just me or does the one about the 13 year old, seem inappropriate? I mean, the 9 year old does, but the 13 year old even more so.

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

Yikes 13? At that point it crosses a line into inappropriate behaviours that should probably be looked into

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Cee Mor
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the heck..that is just creepy. I never sat in the bathroom with my children, again, once they were potty trained...get me the heck out of there.

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Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These people are sick. Not sick just as in gross but sick as in unwell. They sound like predators. Imagine if a father did this to his daughter.

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Debrina Blackmoon
Community Member
3 years ago

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Heidi I
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My kids would 1: never shower or 2: wait until I leave the house, if I went cray-cray like that. Let 'em get their own damn towels........ you dress them too?

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Something
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A two year old should have as much privacy as can safely be arranged.

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Phoenix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....And I thought my friends mom was the definition of overprotective......

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Charlotte
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh it's the condescending "did I read that right?" Oh my blood, she boils!

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BabaBizzle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s called harassment. You’re creating an insecurity in your child they they’re incapable of life’s most basic tasks. Will you wipe their asses when they’re in school? A 9 year old so can and should bathe themselves so they learn independently how to take care of their bodies. Creeping on them while their in a state of undress at that age and 13(!?) is gross and some could call you a pervert.

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Mushroom Garden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And here I am, complaining that my mom still babies me... it's nothing compared to this!

rumali003 avatar
Roc Corp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m Asian and we’re notorious for being helicopter moms but holy beejeesus. 13 and you’re still waiting in the bathroom? That’s creepy.

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A_fangirling_Demigod_witch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom was like this until I was like 8 or 9 until I was finally smart enough to state my own opinion and my own choice

dcloud1943 avatar
Dorothy Cloud
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor kids, hopefully they'll leave home as soon as they are able.

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blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are you f*****g kidding me. Boys start masturbating at 11 and 12. You are going to seriously screw up your kid by sitting in the bathroom while a 9 and 13 yr old shower. WOW.

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angelica H
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what the hell? I die almost every time someone forgets i'm in the shower and accidently opens the door, I would literally die right there If my mom sat in the bathroom with me while I showered.

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Jamie S. Martindale
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are these moms terrified their kid might discover masturbation?! (Hint - they already have, just not when you're looking)

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alwaysMispelled
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They must've both read the classic parenting book, "How To Scar Your Children For Life"

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Drew Sauveur
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

13!!!! Now if that was a father with his daughter, they would call that sexually inappropriate. No different when it's the other way around.

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Luca Giordano
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably scared that their kids might find their happy spots and not get into heaven... sigh.... I really very much dislike religious extremism !

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RedOphelia 13
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good God, that's just obsessive, helicopter, control freaking. I had a cousin whose mother was like that, went into the bathroom with even if it was just to pee, all the way up to his teens. She hovered over him religiously until his baby half sister came along. He was a nervous, anxious, jealous, drug abusing hot mess from 15 to 30 years old. He finally grew up, sobered up and now has a daughter of his own and has tried his best not to be a helicopter parent like his mother was with him because he realized that her hovering played a big part in his behavior as a teen, how he turned to drugs to cope with changes in the family dynamic when his mother remarried and his anxiety from not ever being able to do anything without his mother being right there over him for the longest time. Had a boyfriend whose mother hovered incessantly and he was in his 30s! He was angry and anxious all the time and wanted nothing to do with his mother except to run the hell away from her and cut all contact.

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Valerie Smart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Y’all full on incest mode right now. Y’all need to get a life and let your child have one of their own. F*****g disgusting.

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Daniele Ribolla
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

some kind of survey is ok, but moms, pleasse, no child is in danger under the shower !

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Annelise
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a 13 year old, if my mom sat in the bathroom with me every day, I would disown myself.

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Daniel Marsh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My one issue: I still take my 8-year-old into the public restroom. Sorry, I've been told by too many gay men that they "discovered" their sexuality from an older man in a public restroom. Please don't misunderstand me: I know plenty of gays who just happen to be gay, and I'm in no way saying that this is the prevalent way that people "become" gay; I'm only saying that sexual abuse by strangers is an issue and that public restrooms can be a dangerous place for little children.

kaching12 avatar
Lexi Mitchell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can agree in some cases that a kid shouldn’t be able to lock the door, but what the actual f**k with sitting in there with them?? Gross.

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로희
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know the situation of these mothers so I shouldn't judge. As for me, I always lock the bathroom door ever since I can bathe and poop by myself.

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BorPand8
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess it's possible the kids are developmentally delayed in some way, or have a seizure disorder or something. There are all sorts of legit reasons you might want to keep an eye on someone while they're showering.

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JJ Buddhabrot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, people are free to do what they want. Dont judge and take care of your life

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Elma Young
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With boys (and some girls) you never know if they are really bathing; my brother use to run the water and then sit by the tub and play in the water.

veni_vidi_vicky avatar
Vicky Zar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm torn... my first reaction would have been that this is too much, but my 5year old is very sensitive..... It WOULD be strange to do this with a 13 year old. But, if said 13 year old asked to do it.... I'm not sure if I would say yes or no.

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

The boy should just start wanking it and open the shower curtain to show mom.

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Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

"School phoned sounds like a 6-leave job he did on the toilet, better hurry!"

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soni w
Community Member
3 years ago

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Yeah but 2? Be mad to leave a 2 year old in the tub alone. I guess it's become fashionable (I mean facebookable) to leave kids alone to do your own thing and then blame "privacy" on it. Next the kid will wanna walk to daycare on thier own and I guess that's ok in the world where the child is the parent.

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Meanwhile, a lot of the subreddit's moderators pitched in to answer Bored Panda's questions. The mods explained that mom groups can sometimes be full of potentially dangerous misinformation, a desire to make money off more naive parents, and perpetuating "toxic rhetoric with zero consequences." The community also calls out those online groups that fanatically believe they're raising their kids "The Right Way" and anyone not doing so is a bad parent.

"The biggest lies are the coordinated lies spread in these groups on new parents at a vulnerable point of their lives. These women don’t need essential oils, or colloidal silver, they need paid family leave, affordable post-Partum care, health equities," one moderator explained. "New parents can be as dramatic as they want to be, they’re sleep-deprived and scared and have bills piling up and a new baby. Parental groups are allowed to be dramatic, they reflect the rawest human nature at one of the most 'precious' and yet frighteningly lonesome, most physically and mentally demanding, moments of our lives."

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#7

Is Covid19 Real? Asked And Answered In A Local Mom Group

Is Covid19 Real? Asked And Answered In A Local Mom Group

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Roland Gosselin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I will immediately ignore you if I don't agree with your views/facts/science"

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#8

Gay Satanic Clowns

Gay Satanic Clowns

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JuJu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

May the Gay Satanic Clowns save us all from overzealous Bible-thumpers

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#9

It’s Gross Karen. I’m Also Pretty Certain It’s Illegal To Feed Unsuspecting People Your Bodily Fluids

It’s Gross Karen. I’m Also Pretty Certain It’s Illegal To Feed Unsuspecting People Your Bodily Fluids

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The moderator continued: "So when people enter their lives promising a listening ear, a magical solution, and then shame them for breastfeeding or not breastfeeding, for co-sleeping, or sleep training, or not using magical amber teething beads, or for choosing vaccinations, then those are the heinous people that need to be shamed. They are actively manipulating people with a phony agenda and they need to be called out.”

Another moderator told Bored Pand that what inspired them to start the subreddit in the first place was the overall culture in mom groups that pushed their personal parenting philosophies as the one and only way to parent.

"These groups (like Cherry Universal, with specific subgroups for the crunchy moms and the sanctimonious moms) focus on preaching their way of parenting and viciously attack anyone who doesn’t fall in line. They’re a bigger problem for society too. Do you want to know where the anti-masking movement started? Look at posts from March-May of 2020 in crunchy mom groups. They push and perpetuate vaccine misinformation and an overall general mistrust of science and they use shame, groupthink, and banning to enforce their beliefs."

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#11

Maybe Because That’s Illegal

Maybe Because That’s Illegal

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don’t do it. Simple as that. Also apologise and learn from your mistakes. Breastmilk is a bodily fluid. What if I ran out of water, should I piss in the brownies instead.

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However, the mod pointed out that far from every single mom group is bad. "Our birth month group, for example, has been the saving grace of my journey into parenthood. I have a cohort of parents who all have a child at the same age as mine. It’s a great way to get a quick pulse on typical development and also just feel generally supported, validated, challenged to be a better parent or find different and better ways to parent in a shame-free environment. I have a virtual village and that is just really incredible."

They continued: "To be really honest, it was how supportive I found my birth month group to be that sent me out in search of additional groups. My infant won’t eat baby food—oh, maybe I should check out this baby-led weaning group for ideas! (It was great, by the way.) But then when we started stumbling onto other groups that were just cesspools of negativity, abuse, bullying, etc, we learned about the subculture of 'mommy drama groups' and decided to bring it out into the public eye."

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#13

Guilt Tripping Your 3 Yo Child Into Nursing Is Gross

Guilt Tripping Your 3 Yo Child Into Nursing Is Gross

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#14

From A Mom Group On Instagram. I Guess People Without Children Are Not Allowed To Be Tired

From A Mom Group On Instagram. I Guess People Without Children Are Not Allowed To Be Tired

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Ozacoter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate people like that. I am chronically ill. I am so weak that last monday I slowly walked 30min and the muscle pain lasted until yesterday , sunday. Tell me how I am not tired because I dont have kids.

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We’ve written extensively about how to be a great parent and how to help your kids become independent. And, considering that there still are (and always will be) plenty of parents out there who either stifle their kids or who constantly exhaust themselves, the advice bodes repeating.

Anita Cleare, a parenting expert and the author of ‘The Work/Parent Switch,’ explained to Bored Panda in a previous interview all about how to overcome the desire to be a ‘perfect’ parent and how to stay positive when we’re all way, way too exhausted.

According to parenting expert Cleare, aiming to be a ‘perfect’ parent is the wrong way to go about things. This does more harm than good because it puts lots of unreachable expectations and undue pressure on both parents and children alike.

#16

That’s Not How Any Of This Works

That’s Not How Any Of This Works

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Deborah B
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If WaTeR WorkED, YoU WouLdN'T NeEd To kEeP DRinKiNg It....

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#17

Given To My Daughter Through A Mom Group

Given To My Daughter Through A Mom Group

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El Dee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was brought up religious and made to read the bible. Whether you believe the bible or not it certainly DOESN'T say that dinosaurs were made on the sixth day. Even for Christians this is BS

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#18

My Child's Future Means Nothing To Me

My Child's Future Means Nothing To Me

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giovanna
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So this is the next level: the no-certificaters. There is a lobby pressuring for you to have a birth certificate BUT I WANT TO LIVE IN FREEDOM THEY WON'T HAVE ME

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“Trying to be a perfect parent is bad for children and bad for parents because it sets everybody up to fail. Research shows that ‘good enough’ parenting is best for children,” Cleare explained.

Instead, the expert suggests that all parents aim for ‘good enough’ parenting that actually helps improve our kids’ independence instead of them being overly-reliant on us.

In Cleare’s words, this involves “getting it right most of the time but also failing your children in ways they can handle—so that they gradually increase their independence.”

#19

Vaccinations Made My Daughter Gay

Vaccinations Made My Daughter Gay

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#20

Do Babies Give Hickies?

Do Babies Give Hickies?

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Joanna Payen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my daughter was only a few weeks old I bent down to give her a kiss and she latched onto my chin. She had such a powerful suck that I had to break the suction by inserting my little finger in between my chin and her mouth. I had a red mark on my chin for quite a few weeks. So, yes my little human vacuum cleaner gave me a hickie.

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#21

This Extreme Fear-Mongering Pisses Me Off So Much

This Extreme Fear-Mongering Pisses Me Off So Much

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Natalia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nooooo. Stupidity is not contagious, why should the flu shot be?😳

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According to parenting expert Cleare, “Great parents make mistakes but they try to learn from them (and not to repeat them too often!).”

No matter your parenting style, you can’t do much if you’re overworked and exhausted. That means that looking after yourself is priority number one. If you put yourself last, you’re not doing your kids any favors, Cleare told Bored Panda.

#22

F Your Privacy. I’m Gonna Show 53,000 People Your Picture And Tell Them You Got Your Period Today!

F Your Privacy. I’m Gonna Show 53,000 People Your Picture And Tell Them You Got Your Period Today!

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#23

From An Unschooling Facebook Page. Poor Kid

From An Unschooling Facebook Page. Poor Kid

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“Even when you are really busy, try to find regular 5-20 minute breaks in your day when you can relax, practice some mindfulness, or do something joyful,” she said.

“Looking for the positives really does increase positivity,” the parenting expert added, suggesting that we try to maintain positive mindsets by being grateful and thinking about, for example, the 3 things that we’re glad to have in our lives.

#25

Uhhhh Would This Be A Major Red Flag To Anyone Else?

Uhhhh Would This Be A Major Red Flag To Anyone Else?

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#26

They're Not Vaxxing Their Dogs Either

They're Not Vaxxing Their Dogs Either

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#27

My Kid's Dentist Told Me Skipping Antibiotics Will Be Really Painful For Her, So I'd Like To Go Ahead And Do That

My Kid's Dentist Told Me Skipping Antibiotics Will Be Really Painful For Her, So I'd Like To Go Ahead And Do That

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually have never heard of someone taking antibiotics BEFORE tooth extraction. Is this really a thing coz I have had 4 teeth extracted and not once did I need to do that. Afterwards yes, but not before.

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Meanwhile, Lenore Skenazy, the president of the Let Grow nonprofit that aims to promote kids’ independence and fights overprotection, explained to us that children’s confidence grows when they know that others believe in them.

“A teacher, coach, grandparent, or, of course, parent who thinks you are terrific and ready to wow the world can make all the difference in the world,” Skenazy said, pointing out that when the support’s not there, it can have negative consequences on the child. So it’s important to balance support while also letting kids develop their independence.

According to Skenazy, how a parent tells their kids something is often more important than what they tell them to do. Kids take cues from grownups, so even phrasing something differently or using a different tone can have positive effects even if the topic that’s being talked about is far from pleasant.

#28

Thats More Than 3 Pagents A Month If They Start When She Was Born! Of Course The Poor Thing Doesn't Want To Out Her Sippy Cup Down Shes A Baby!

Thats More Than 3 Pagents A Month If They Start When She Was Born! Of Course The Poor Thing Doesn't Want To Out Her Sippy Cup Down Shes A Baby!

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#30

Who Says You Can't Be Cool And Rebellious Once You're A Mom

Who Says You Can't Be Cool And Rebellious Once You're A Mom

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“The best way to make sure that a child starting out in the world feels like their parents believe in them—rather than simply being fed up—is for the parent to make it explicit!” Skenazy explained that this is how parents can communicate to their kids that it’s time to be more independent.

The expert also highlighted that telling the child that you’ll always love them, even though they’re becoming more independent is a healthy, mature way of communicating with them. However, that relies heavily on the parents themselves learning to loosen their grips on their kids and setting the bar for their expectations lower (which, maybe counterintuitively, leads to healthier, happier families).

So, dear Readers, what did you think of this list? Were there any pics that made you go, “Wow, that’s enough internet for me today?” Where do you think the line between being a good and a bad parent lies? What’s the best way to avoid drama on parent groups on social media? Share your thoughts and feelings in the comment section below. And remember, stay excellent!

#31

Please Don’t Make Me Explain Why

Please Don’t Make Me Explain Why

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#32

Yeah, That’s Just Insane

Yeah, That’s Just Insane

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#33

Common Core Is Definitely Part Of The Leftist Agenda

Common Core Is Definitely Part Of The Leftist Agenda

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

"Home schooling group" kinda defeats the purpose of it being homeschooling, doesn't it. Doing it in a group is not a "home schooling group", that's an illegally operated, small school with unqualified teachers.

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#35

If Only It Fixed Everything (Found In My Breastfeeding Group)

If Only It Fixed Everything (Found In My Breastfeeding Group)

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#36

I Guess You’re Out Of Luck Then

I Guess You’re Out Of Luck Then

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#38

God Forbid, A Bald Baby!

God Forbid, A Bald Baby!

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BrokenFlame
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bruh this child is going to have self-esteem issues if the parents continue to do this all the way up to adult stage.

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#39

Prayer Isn’t Billable To Insurance, Karen

Prayer Isn’t Billable To Insurance, Karen

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troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think they're called shamans, but I don't think they believe in Jesus :/

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#40

Who Knew I Wasn’t A Real Mom?

Who Knew I Wasn’t A Real Mom?

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Note: this post originally had 48 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.