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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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#2

He’s Not Wrong

He’s Not Wrong

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

Let's cancel the label "Karen," since it's so misogynistic and harmful to nonracists named Karen. An abusive husband coined the term for his victimized wife.

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

This is a good burn, but it's misleading in a dangerous way. Measles is a disease for which vaccination produces herd immunity. This means that individual antivaxxers who are surrounded by people who do vaccinate can be protected by them, but when there are more antivaxxers, they spread the disease to each other and then to the small percentage of non-vaccinated people who did not develop immunity and those who could not be vaccinated for legitimate reasons. (Many of the non-immune vaccinated and those who could not be vaccinated have compromised immunity, which can put them more at risk if they do get sick.) So even if you buy into the whole sick "my child my choice" attitude of people who don't vaccinate (and apparently see their children as just another of their personal possessions), antivaxxers are not just endangering themselves and their children. They are being selfish and endangering the community as a whole.

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

The poster should get together with other anti-vaxxers to form their own camp. They can call it Camp Last Hooray.

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

I was a kid before the measles vaccine was available, and I got measles. My family home was quarantined, my mother wasn’t allowed to leave even to go to work (My dad had measles in the Army during the war; that’s another unhappy tale.) My mother hung all the windows with red flannel, which was believed to protect you from going blind. Regardless of that, I suffered a partial vision loss and a partial hearing loss. I also had mumps and chicken pox. Why in the name of hell would anyone risk their kids when they don’t have to?

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

BOOM! Unfortunately logic only fuels the antivax delusions. I must admit I am a reformed antivaxxer. My kid wasn’t vaccinated until he was 4 and starting pre-k. I have hope that there are others that will realize their “beliefs” are rooted in fear. The century worth of science and research can penetrate even the most stubborn of minds. But there are also social justice issues that have paved the way for distrust in science and the government. In those cases, education provided with compassion and not dismissal can go a long way.

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

Getting vaccinated with FDA approved drugs when young such as measles and mumps is one thing but getting vaccinated for covid with a drug that hasn't been through the full set of testing by the FDA and your child would be used as one of the test subjects per se before it was fully approved isn't wise is my opinion. I would not do that to my child. My job is to protect my child, not jump on a peer pressure bandwagon.

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

No. Gross sense of not vaccinating their kids. Gross sense of entitlement! This person should be shamed and ridiculed and moved to their own antivaxx plague island.

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Stille20
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would you want to send your child in with unvaccinated children!?

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

When my children were babies, their doctor set up a schedule to their vaccinations. It was just the normal thing to do. When the polio vaccine was invented, I both my children protected. One form was an injection and another, some time later, was a liquid on a sugar cube. I felt so relieved to be able to have this for available them.

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

God when did we start allowing me to have so much autonomy over something that affects so many in society. Such vaccines should be mandatory and if you refuse to get it, you should be cut off from society (that includes not being allowed to go into any public space and if you end up in the ER you will automatically get vaccinated). I am tired of selfish people who do not care for others within society. If you don't care about others then we do not care about you either. But like Child Protection Services, we should have the right to take their children away to protect them from unfit parents like these.

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

The burn would’ve been better if it had been spelled correctly. Just sayin’.

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

Every action has an equal but opposite reaction. Cursed comment, meet equally but oppositely cursed reply.

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

Lol I thought this was about COVID for a second and I was like "Boi they won't lemme get vaccinated where are these kids getting vaccines?"

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

Yea I love the cement art that I'm in and virtually everyone I know is in.... you don't die from not getting vaccinated!

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

What is the deal with all of these parents that refuse to vaccinate their children? It is so ridiculous and so abusive.

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

Do these people not realize their kids must be vaccinated for measles/mumps/rubella already; in addition to COVID? Do these people live under a rock?

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panda123
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Children are at lower risk from covid anyway and the risk is much lower outside. Still, best to get vaccinated to avoid spreading it to others.

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

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN! I wish I could see Karen's response.

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

Have you read the news lately about the vaccines? No way would I allow my child to be vaccinated. Let the hate ensue.................. Are we allowed an opposite opinion here?

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Persp Gold
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2 years ago

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you don't have to vaccinate but you can't live in our society if you don't. very simple. we don't need you fckibg up 100s of years of medical advances

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Leah Helbig
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2 years ago

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Again i bet you people support abortion but isn't not vaccinating your kid just a really late term abortion

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lara
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2 years ago

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Not vaccinating your child or pups or kittens is nothing but abuse.

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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
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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
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.

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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
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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

Tiny_Parfait Report

#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
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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
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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.
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.

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