ADVERTISEMENT

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??

keitpo Report

#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

thelesbiannextdoor Report

Add photo comments
POST
franziska-eller avatar
Konpat
Community Member
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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

BugCatcherWill Report

#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

fallenbrim Report

Add photo comments
POST
ificouldiwouldliveunderwater avatar
If I could I would live under water
Community Member
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

“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.

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

Actually What The F**k

Actually What The F**k

Evfist Report

Add photo comments
POST
samkunz avatar
Sam Kunz
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

She Is Insane

She Is Insane

Ziad_adel Report

Add photo comments
POST
lechnerava avatar
achilles get down from there
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Very Not Cool

Very Not Cool

DepressedEmu1111 Report

Add photo comments
POST
malagotelli avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

“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

PermanentlyMC Report

Add photo comments
POST
finskilad avatar
TmKhr
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

What If The Neighbors Had Dogs

What If The Neighbors Had Dogs

crazybatman0 Report

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
#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

Eineron_456 Report

#14

Can’t Imagine What That Kid Has To Deal With

Can’t Imagine What That Kid Has To Deal With

cowyeti Report

#15

Wow Just Wow

Wow Just Wow

HoneyLimeFrenchFries Report

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

friendly_texan Report

Add photo comments
POST
frogglin avatar
Little Wonder
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Parents Theory

Parents Theory

yahya928 Report

Add photo comments
POST
ryandeschanel avatar
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."

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

Bobcatluv Report

#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

Tiny_Parfait Report

#23

Mum Is Angry At Her Child For Growing

Mum Is Angry At Her Child For Growing

Cocktupus Report

#24

Another Great Example Of Dumb Parents

Another Great Example Of Dumb Parents

Cassiopeia2996 Report

#25

Wtf

Wtf

RogerG_476 Report

Add photo comments
POST
ryandeschanel avatar
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.

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

Big Brain Logic

Big Brain Logic

QweenSara Report

Add photo comments
POST
laurencaswell4 avatar
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*

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Mint Drugs

Mint Drugs

SharkDestroyer_real Report

#28

Family Had Symptoms Of Covid But Sent Child To School Regardless

Family Had Symptoms Of Covid But Sent Child To School Regardless

A75Ruby Report

Add photo comments
POST
malagotelli avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

My Parents Think This Is A Cute Decoration

My Parents Think This Is A Cute Decoration

Mbiojf Report

Add photo comments
POST
blue1steven avatar
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.

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

TJtheFirst Report

Add photo comments
POST
frogglin avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Tell Me Why

Tell Me Why

zoozzykk Report

Add photo comments
POST
lechnerava avatar
frogglin avatar
asatvoong_1 avatar
malagotelli avatar
Eslamala
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Glad I live in a country with laws against shaming your kids with moronic names/spellings

fracarr avatar
François Carré
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And her little brother Möärdhäär (pronounced like "murder").

tracer_1 avatar
Tracer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Terrible name for a kid, great name for your next fantasy novel protagonist.

vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Illegal everywhere except America (both guns and names after guns)

jaimilx avatar
infinite upvote
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always loved unique names, but ever since the 2010s they've taken a turn for the worst

sweetangelce04 avatar
CatWoman312
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reigh is pronounced like “Ray” so it would be “ray-fall” not surprising a dumb person decided on this and there’s no shortage of dumb shouldn’t have children parents out there too

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

But if you are Elon Musk, everybody will appreciate you call your daughter X Æ A-12

mssusanmarie2013 avatar
Susan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at me! Look at me! I'm special! I'm so very special! I gave my child an idiotic name!

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

Rifle ain't gonna be happy about that later. She's gonna be posting on a bad parents post on Bored Panda.

nikkiowens avatar
Nikki Owens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But according to all the structural rules of the English language, that should be pronounced "ray-fil" or "ree-fil"...

lunanik avatar
Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTactualF? Stop naming your kids as if they're action figures, ffs.

spacequirk avatar
Kim Lionessa
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fast forward, and girl can't get a job, lives at home till she's 68.

wayne_dorman avatar
Wayne Dorman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the hell is wrong with people? I've never got my head around why Americans wank off over guns so much.

richietozier avatar
Richie Tozier
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

actually i have this cousin of mine who's name is literally rifle and is also spelled " rifle "

9360swilli avatar
Susan Williams
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor kid. The parent have big dreams which they were unable to fulfill. So, they gave a big name to their baby which, they think, will make her big dreams come true.

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

Sending a kid to school with that name is child abuse.

sussanmercurio01 avatar
Susan Mercurio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I took my grandson out of his daycare when they got a child named "Felony."

phillybobsquires avatar
Philly Bob Squires
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Note to young parents: When you pick a name for your kid, type it in Microsoft Word first. If the red squiggly line shows up, please reconsider?

auroradarc avatar
Pangolin Pal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your daughter will hate you all her life, you useless A-holes.

ii_3 avatar
I I
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah our AR15 is going to love her little sister rifle

baconycakes1337 avatar
Bacony Cakes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...Is she going to star in a YA high fantasy romance adventure novel?

stevewilson_3 avatar
Steve Wilson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s the second stupidest name I’ve ever heard. When my nephew was a gung ho military man he thought he was real clever to name his son “Gunnar” as a macho play on words. He was real proud of his wit until I mentioned that in prison society a chronic masturbator is called a “gunner’.

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

I would've sent laughing emojis.... oh wait, you were serious? More laughing emojis

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

Sorry If Repost

Sorry If Repost

herbalcocain Report

#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

YeetingSlamage Report

#36

Everyone Is Fine Today And No Bad Habits Were Formed

Everyone Is Fine Today And No Bad Habits Were Formed

KannaKamuiFSN Report

#37

Well, He Tried

Well, He Tried

danielwarren86 Report

#38

My Dad Needs To Stay Off The Internet

My Dad Needs To Stay Off The Internet

4wkward4lex Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#39

We Know Everything About You

We Know Everything About You

Witty_Operation2486 Report

#40

That Kid Is Like 1

That Kid Is Like 1

lucak1414 Report

Add photo comments
POST
grubbster55 avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

I Did It

I Did It

tlhicks713 Report

Add photo comments
POST
sasyscarborough avatar
Sasy
Community Member
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.

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

ludic_sottisier Report

Add photo comments
POST
ryandeschanel avatar
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.

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

stubb5y22 Report

Add photo comments
POST
finskilad avatar
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*

View more commentsArrow down menu
#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!

DaronBlade360 Report

Add photo comments
POST
smpietzka avatar
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?

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

Nugnuts02 Report

Add photo comments
POST
katherineboag avatar
Katherine Boag
Community Member
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.

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

HolyTenisBals Report

Add photo comments
POST
blakkursverrir avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#49

Nice Name

Nice Name

MenacinG_ly Report

Add photo comments
POST
f_h_ avatar
F. H.
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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?"

ludic_sottisier Report

Note: this post originally had 95 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.