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Let’s face it, parenting is one of the biggest challenges that we’ll ever have to face in our lives. It’s right up there alongside fighting off an alien invasion, surviving a zombie apocalypse, rocket science, and plugging in a USB cable on the first try. So it’s no wonder that most parents are less than perfect. In fact, it’s pretty much the norm.

However, they’re nowhere near the level that some of the parents featured on the ‘Parents Are Effing Dumb’ subreddit are. There, you’ll find some of the biggest fails that will make you gasp, shout “think of the children!”, and think about taking these people’s parenting license away. Remember to buckle up and upvote the pics that made your jaw drop as you scroll down the rollercoaster that is this descent into parenting weirdness.

When it comes to parenting, both extremes—absolute perfectionism/trying to be a ‘perfect’ parent and not trying hard enough—can be harmful to the family. And while it’s very clear what bad parenting is, perfectionism is more insidious and sneaky and can actually end up being just as harmful as actual neglect or ignorance, though in a very different way. We spoke about the pitfalls of this with an expert in the field of psychology.

#1

I'm Sorry, What??

I'm Sorry, What??

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#3

My Family Does This To Me All The Time, And Each Time I Tell Them It Discourages Me But They Still Do It

My Family Does This To Me All The Time, And Each Time I Tell Them It Discourages Me But They Still Do It

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Konpat
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My parents excelled at this behaviour. Makes you feel that nothing you ever do is right or good enough

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Emma Morton, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, explained to Bored Panda the pitfalls of perfectionist thinking and how it spreads to many areas of a person’s life, contributing to poor mental health and even depression.

Believing that you should (or even that you can) be a so-called ‘perfect’ parent is actually detrimental to your health. What’s more, the belief that you can control every single outcome can spread to other areas of your life, not just parenting.

#5

And I Know That From Home

And I Know That From Home

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#6

Me Getting My Vaccinations After My Mother Refused For Me To Have Them

Me Getting My Vaccinations After My Mother Refused For Me To Have Them

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If I could I would live under water
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love when teenagers actually start to think for themselves, and not just repeating what they parents think

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“When we set excessive and inflexible high standards for ourselves and become self-critical about not meeting those, perfectionism can become a problem for our mental health and potentially contribute to depression or suicidal thoughts,” researcher Morton said.

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#7

Actually What The F**k

Actually What The F**k

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Sam Kunz
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stop the planet, I want to get off. That's the worst thing I've ever read.

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#8

She Is Insane

She Is Insane

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achilles get down from there
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s just the same as smashing down a Lego set, or destroying paintings, or any other project. It’s destroying property! And hours and hours of care and passion.

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#9

Very Not Cool

Very Not Cool

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

Addiction is a disease, and it's NEVER compatible with kids in the house. Downvote all you want, but people with that kind of problems should never be the caretakers of kids. Ever.

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“Perfectionism is a very insidious problem—even if someone achieves great success in their personal or professional life, negative thinking patterns lead them to be highly self-critical, focus on perceived mistakes, or mentally discount their achievements,” Morton detailed that a perfectionist mindset dims even the biggest victories when we tend to laser-in on the various real and imagined flaws.

#11

Tweet Says It All

Tweet Says It All

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TmKhr
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's sad when people who really want children can't have them, and then horrible people like these have kids. Not fair.

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#12

What If The Neighbors Had Dogs

What If The Neighbors Had Dogs

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The anxiety surrounding perfectionism is just as much about personal pride as it is about the desire to be respected and liked by others. “People who struggle with perfectionism may worry that they will be judged for their perceived failures, feel that they are inadequate for needing help, or assume they will be a burden on their family and friends,” she said, adding that this can make perfectionists especially vulnerable mentally and emotionally.

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#13

Please Show Support To The Op On His Post Since His Parents Surely Won't

Please Show Support To The Op On His Post Since His Parents Surely Won't

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#14

Can’t Imagine What That Kid Has To Deal With

Can’t Imagine What That Kid Has To Deal With

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#15

Wow Just Wow

Wow Just Wow

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As such, it’s very important that parents who make mistakes with their kids don’t overcorrect and land in the ‘perfectionist’ zone. Similarly, any parents who realize that they’re being inflexible with their standards and are overly critical of their and their kids’ (real or perceived) faults need to learn to hold back and allow room for (at least some) failure. After all, learning to deal with failure and drawing wisdom from our mistakes is what being human is all about. One thing's for sure, though: nobody wants to be that parent who ends up on 'Parents Are Effing Dumb.'

#17

Imagine... Uggh

Imagine... Uggh

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Little Wonder
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh god, there should be laws against this sort of "family youtube" thing. Using your kids for views and cash is revolting.

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#18

Parents Theory

Parents Theory

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

"Those Japanese cartoons are too violent. Here, watch this documentary about the genocide in Vendée on the French-German channel."

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#20

Florida Teen Dies From Covid-19 After Mom Takes Her To Church “Covid Party”

Florida Teen Dies From Covid-19 After Mom Takes Her To Church “Covid Party”

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#21

Atleast One Person In The Comments Had The Sense To Tell Her To Call A Doctor! This Is Too Much

Atleast One Person In The Comments Had The Sense To Tell Her To Call A Doctor! This Is Too Much

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#23

Mum Is Angry At Her Child For Growing

Mum Is Angry At Her Child For Growing

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#24

Another Great Example Of Dumb Parents

Another Great Example Of Dumb Parents

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#25

Wtf

Wtf

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Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Old people think they are gods, they always think they are always right about everything. Edit : not all of them, obviously, but it is more like a general tendency.

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#26

Big Brain Logic

Big Brain Logic

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

I can see the composite in my head now from all I've seen that I couldn't stop: "how many times must I tell you *name*?! We *smack* don't *smack* hit *smack* people *wrenches kid away by the arm*

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#27

Mint Drugs

Mint Drugs

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#28

Family Had Symptoms Of Covid But Sent Child To School Regardless

Family Had Symptoms Of Covid But Sent Child To School Regardless

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

Those people should be fined, and do community service by volunteering at hospitals.

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#29

My Parents Think This Is A Cute Decoration

My Parents Think This Is A Cute Decoration

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

My MIL collects golli-dolls. I asked her mother (my wife's grandmother) about it a few years back. She told me that after the war, they were left with nothing, rationing was the only thing keeping them fed. She was out begging one day with her infant child (my MIL) and someone gave her a golli doll and she has kept it ever since. The doll, to my MIL, was the first and only gift she would receive as a child and holds huge sentimentality, if her house caught fire, she would try to save them, before her husband. She knows and understands why they are racist, but for her, they represent something else, kindness, charity, safety and childhood.

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#31

Woke Up And Saw My Door Removed By My Parents. I Asked Them "Why?" And They Replied With "Privacy Isn't Necessary"

Woke Up And Saw My Door Removed By My Parents. I Asked Them "Why?" And They Replied With "Privacy Isn't Necessary"

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

My parents didn't take my door, but they had the same attitude to privacy. They still do.

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#33

Sorry If Repost

Sorry If Repost

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#34

Let Me Just Punish My Kid For Being Depressed Instead Of Trying To Deal With It

Let Me Just Punish My Kid For Being Depressed Instead Of Trying To Deal With It

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#36

Everyone Is Fine Today And No Bad Habits Were Formed

Everyone Is Fine Today And No Bad Habits Were Formed

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#37

Well, He Tried

Well, He Tried

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#38

My Dad Needs To Stay Off The Internet

My Dad Needs To Stay Off The Internet

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#39

We Know Everything About You

We Know Everything About You

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#40

That Kid Is Like 1

That Kid Is Like 1

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

Cement burns and irritates skin- the kid needs to be washed off immediately. Whoever took the photo and/or stood watching this is a nunt

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#41

I Did It

I Did It

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Sasy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Times were different. Usually the owner of store knew parents smoked etc.

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#43

7yo Gets Bullied At School For Sitting In A Car Seat, So Mom Waits Until He's Asleep, Takes A Photo Of Him, And Posts It On The Official Parents Magazine Instagram Page (855k Followers)

7yo Gets Bullied At School For Sitting In A Car Seat, So Mom Waits Until He's Asleep, Takes A Photo Of Him, And Posts It On The Official Parents Magazine Instagram Page (855k Followers)

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

I think this person is actually evil. Maybe she will learn her lesson when she is not invited to his wedding, never meets her grandchildren, and is cremated in the cheapest casket and thrown away in the nearest lake with just a small prayer and two flowers.

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#44

We’re In A Crowded Terminal And This Toddler Wouldn’t Stop Crying And Screaming, So Her Mom Gave Her A Whistle To Play With

We’re In A Crowded Terminal And This Toddler Wouldn’t Stop Crying And Screaming, So Her Mom Gave Her A Whistle To Play With

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

I bet the others enjoy it as much as she does *facepalm*

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#45

Yes, The Problem Is Definitely Not That You Gave A Phone To A 2 Year Old!

Yes, The Problem Is Definitely Not That You Gave A Phone To A 2 Year Old!

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

You took away your 2 year old's IPhone? That is beyond cruel! How will he text his friends?

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#47

Sad We Have To Create Something So We Don’t Forget Children

Sad We Have To Create Something So We Don’t Forget Children

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Katherine Boag
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you 'never understand' why people make mistakes, you're another reason why people think they could never make a mistake, don't use any kind of failsafe, make a mistake, and have dire consequences.

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#48

My Son Likes To Do Something He Likes And He Deserves It, But Doesn't Need It. What Should I Do?

My Son Likes To Do Something He Likes And He Deserves It, But Doesn't Need It. What Should I Do?

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Blakkur Sverrir
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You could teach him the valuable lesson that, no matter how hard he works and how good he follows rules, people with power (you in that case) will never let him see a reward for it, let alone have some time to relax and recharge. That will teach him a lot about life. Or push him to burnout/suicide and stuff.

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#49

Nice Name

Nice Name

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F. H.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think I would be able to hold myself back and not call my child Cash if my last name was money. I would have to rely on my wife as the voice of reason.

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Dave P
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree! I know someone with the last name Meth, when each of his 3 daughters were born I lobbied to him and his wife to name her "Crystal". His wife didn't share my sense of humor. Though admittingly that would be an interesting name

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

My name is Mr. Money, and these are my kids Cash, Dirty and Lunch

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

My coworkers last name is Daniels and I tried to convince her to name her son Jack. She wasn't impressed...

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

my last name is Cash, and mama wanted to name me Penny and my brother Owen, but Daddy named us something else while she was knocked out on Demerol. She never did forgive him.

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Limey Cheesehead
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my niece was pregnant they joked about calling him Hunter. Their last name is Fisher. (they didn't call him that, thank goodness)

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

They probably had to launder Money’s clothes after the game.

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

Aside from Cash's name (got a future as a rapper?!) Blake Money is 12yo and 5'10".. is it me or is that one tall kid?

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

I wish someone had influenced Kim Kardashian West not to name her child North West.

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

Cash as a first name? Awesome. Jonny can be a middle.

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

Cash and Blake? Cash Money is good. Poor Blake. Could have been Spending Money. Fast Money. Lunch Money.

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#50

This Mom Be Like "I Wonder Why My Kids Don't Confide In Me For Anything?"

This Mom Be Like "I Wonder Why My Kids Don't Confide In Me For Anything?"

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