ADVERTISEMENT

Parenting is basically trying to see how little you can mess someone up in a few decades. Because, let's face it, no mom and dad is exempt from making mistakes when raising their kids.

However, some are worse at it than others. And you can see it in their children.

So when X user Efi Chéri posted a question on the platform, asking everyone, "What immediately tells you that a person wasn't raised right?" people immediately started sending in their replies.

From being rude to service industry workers to microwaving fish in the company breakroom, here are some of the most popular answers.

#1

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

CamillaYahel Report

Add photo comments
POST
rangerkanootsen avatar
Ranger Kanootsen
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pets are a lifetime commitment. If you're not ready for that, don't get one. Simple.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Tracy Hutchinson, Ph.D., LMHC, is a therapist with over 18 years of clinical experience, and her research on positive psychology, mental health, and emotional psychology has been published in various peer-reviewed academic journals and textbooks.

As hard as parenting is, she believes that every mom and dad should try to avoid the following seven mistakes, beginning with minimizing your child's feelings.

"Kids need to know that it's healthy to express and talk about their emotions," Hutchinson explains. "When parents tell their kids things such as 'don't be so sad about it' or 'it's not a big deal,' they're sending the message that feelings don't matter and that it's better to suppress them."

So if your kid, for example, appears fearful during a loud storm, consider saying, 'I know you're scared right now,' and asking them what they think would make them feel better instead.

#3

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

yeezyree Report

Add photo comments
POST
rangerkanootsen avatar
Ranger Kanootsen
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a kid I was friends with someone who liked to dismember different animals, from insects and spiders to opossums and cats. Also tried to get me to participate, which I refused. It's partly the reason I became a park ranger: it is my calling to keep animals safe from people like that.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#4

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

Justbribaby1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
rangerkanootsen avatar
Ranger Kanootsen
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have a campfire story called 'Jenny and the Night Women' about the dangers of always spoiling children. Creepy...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

_oh_abby Report

Add photo comments
POST
donnieb826 avatar
Donald
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I'm on an elevator and you barge in before I can get off I will walk right through you. Exceptions made for the elderly or disabled obviously, but it really is just common curtesy.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Then there's saving them from failure. "As parents, it's hard to watch our children struggle through challenges that we know we can easily fix for them," Hutchinson says.

"But think of it this way: if your kid is doing poorly in school, you know that telling them the homework answers will only backfire because you can’t be in the classroom when they have to complete those tests on their own." 

Failure is part of success, and if kids never get the chance to learn that, they'll never develop the perseverance they need to rise back up after a setback.

#8

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

_BeautysHerName Report

Add photo comments
POST
emmiepsykc avatar
Em
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How to know you've worked in retail too long: you hold the door for someone and then thank THEM.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

The next common mistake is overindulging your kids. Research shows that when you give your kids whatever they desire, they miss out on skills related to mental strength, such as self-discipline.

"You want your kids to grow up knowing that it's possible to achieve what they want — if they work for it," Hutchinson explains. "Parents can teach their kids [to] learn self-control by setting clear rules for things like finishing homework before screen time or doing chores to boost allowance (so they can buy things on their own while knowing they earned it)."

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

JustNaz7 Report

Add photo comments
POST
blue1steven avatar
Donkey boi
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I borrowed a mate's jigsaw, when I gave it back he thought I'd bought him a new one. 'Nah, fella! You just haven't cleaned or maintained it since you got it. So I did it for ya.' Take good care of your own shite as well!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

siatrini Report

Add photo comments
POST
pjhslkranyec avatar
hitex
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dont keep your trash in your pickup bed! It will fly out & litter just like tossing out your car window!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

DAQUANDSG Report

Add photo comments
POST
chr-giorgaki avatar
Chriss21
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our cleaner at work calls me madam, I told her not to because we are the same age. She said it's not a matter of age, it's a matter of respect because I am superior to her. I could not believe she said that. She is black and apparently was raised to believe she is inferior to white people. I am shocked and incredibly sad, this happened weeks ago and I'm still not over it

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Parents shouldn't expect perfection, either. While it's natural to want your child to aim for big goals and be the best at everything, the truth is that's not how the world works.

Setting the bar too high can lead to self-esteem and confidence issues later in life.

#12

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

hdent4mayor Report

Add photo comments
POST
rangerkanootsen avatar
Ranger Kanootsen
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't stand deceptive people. Known a few in my day & I hope to never know them again.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

Dazzleeee_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
athinajohn avatar
nm
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a quite new business. Entering in public buildings or standing in front of private ones and recording by the so-called "auditors" (aka frauditors). Aiming to provoke reactions and the police to be called, for the pleasure of their sick audience.

View more commentsArrow down menu

"There are many things that might make your kid feel uncomfortable, especially when it involves doing something new: trying new foods, making new friends, playing a new sport or moving homes and having to go to a new school," the therapist continues.

ADVERTISEMENT

"But just like failure, embracing uncomfortable moments can boost mental strength. Encourage your kids to try new things. Help them get started, because that’s the hardest part. But once they take that first step, they might realize that it isn't as difficult as they thought it’d be — and that they might even be good at it!"

#15

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

ashleysroom2 Report

Add photo comments
POST
stephanieafernando avatar
Say No to Downvoting
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have 2/3 kids with autism/ADHD/stutter (and the 1/3 always trying to be heard over their siblings) that find inside voices very hard to gauge and manage - don’t judge people too hard on this one.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

temi_0000 Report

Add photo comments
POST
jmdirks avatar
jmdirks
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or at work in your break area, especially when the trash can is within reaching distance.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

PoeticBlckgrl Report

Add photo comments
POST
sfgragan avatar
Anon822209
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I tended bar, I would (half) jokingly tell customers that I wasn't a dog, but if they whistled/clapped/snapped at me again, I'd bite 'em. Said with a smile.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

kittydubbs Report

Add photo comments
POST
gvldavis avatar
Captain Awesome
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will close the gap if we are approaching road work and a lane closure notice has been up for several miles.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Your family should also have clear parent-child boundaries. Yes, kids need to make their own decisions, but they also need to know that you're the boss.

According to Hutchinson, kids who are mentally strong have parents who understand the importance of boundaries and consistency. Caving in and allowing rules to be negotiated too often can lead to power struggles.

#19

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

longlive_reuben Report

Add photo comments
POST
morel-joedee avatar
More!
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely! I do not like kids who come here and don’t say hi, most of them do though. It’s not about being ‘raised right’ it’s about shyness, but sometimes it’s just slyness

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#20

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

Mone_mcloving Report

Add photo comments
POST
catherine-r-brooker avatar
lily jones
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always pick the cheapest thing possible when someone else is paying

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Lastly, parents should remember to take care of themselves. "The older we get, the harder it becomes to maintain healthy habits (e.g., eating healthy, exercising daily, taking time to restore)," Hutchinson says. "That’s why it’s important to model self-care habits for your kids."

It's also crucial to practice healthy coping skills in front of your children. For instance, if you’re stressed about work, it could be a great idea to simply tell your child something along the lines of, "I had a very tiring day at work, and I’m going to relax with tea and a book."

#24

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

kristinawrites2 Report

Add photo comments
POST
lizzy-abbey avatar
CORGI QUEEN
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

waiter comes up, waiter: do you want some water? Me: yes thank you Waiter: i'll also take those dishes when I'm done Me:thanks Waiter: Ok all done Me:thank you

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The majority of parents (62%) say that raising kids has been at least somewhat harder than they expected, with about a quarter (26%) saying it’s been a lot harder.

ADVERTISEMENT

At the same time, most of them give themselves high marks for it, with 64% saying they do an excellent or very good job as a parent and 32% reporting they do a good job, while just 4% think their effort could be described as fair or poor.

#25

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

stillkocky Report

Add photo comments
POST
rangerkanootsen avatar
Ranger Kanootsen
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're friends with someone who constantly talks about people behind their backs, how long do you think until they'll do it about you?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

SweetMuzik Report

Add photo comments
POST
snorkythepig avatar
Snorky The Pig
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Popsicles were actually invented when a kid left his unfinished cup of lemonade on the porch overnight😂

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Those numbers are pretty interesting. But I guess, even if we see someone behaving rather badly, we can't immediately blame their parents for not doing their part. Research shows us that identical twins who grow up in the same home with the same parents often turn out very differently. So maybe the signs discussed in the thread tell us more about those people's character rather than their parents' commitment to raising them?

#28

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

Dionthemodel Report

Add photo comments
POST
pjhslkranyec avatar
hitex
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or at least appreciating that your perspective isn't the right one for them

View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#31

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

Sheeebaaa_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
slf11119999 avatar
Mrs. Ginger McSarcasm
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as you're actually invited and didn't just walk in off the street into some random persons house.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

_nic0r Report

Add photo comments
POST
lward8958 avatar
Lea Ward
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. I live with someone like that. It's pure laziness. People keep telling me "maybe he doesn't notice". When there's pee and poo stains on the literal toilet seat I'm sure he fricking notices. If it were just me and him I'd leave it on the toilet seat for him to deal with whilst I use a bathroom elsewhere. It's so infuriating :(

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

randomscoconut Report

Add photo comments
POST
blue1steven avatar
Donkey boi
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but, if you stop suddenly while I'm walking behind you, I'm probably going to go through you. I'll help you up afterwards, but it's important that you learn that lesson.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

JasmineMenghuo Report

Add photo comments
POST
blue1steven avatar
Donkey boi
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

2 of these can be a result of learning difficulties or disabilities. Asperger's & Autism are just 2 examples.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

Erocklolw Report

Add photo comments
POST
catherine-r-brooker avatar
lily jones
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay the first one but who washes their hands before opening the fridge? Am I the only one who doesn't?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#40

Clear-Signs-Problematic-Upbringing

lailaimaye Report

Add photo comments
POST
jameskilpatrick avatar
NetworkMan
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apart from the no one at the end there, I wouldn't consider this proof someone wasn't raised right. I don't litter in the streets, but I'll leave my empty packets on a table in my own home. I'll leave my pots in the sink because I've just eaten, and can't be bothered cleaning them straight away. This thread is, to me, more about how we treat people and the places in the world we go, what you do in your own home is up too you.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.