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The period is called blunder years, and it hits us either in childhood or adolescence. Basically, it's a time when we think we're cooler than others find us to be. And later, no matter how much we would like to forget our cringey past, there's usually a photo or two to remind us of it. Some are sitting in family albums, some are scattered across our friends' hard drives, and while many try to ignore them, a few decide to spread their embarrassing moments even wider by sharing them on the internet, taking ownership of their previous silly hairstyles and questionable clothing choices.

#1

Here I Am Winning The “Little Miss Piggy” Award At A Mud Volleyball Tournament In 1998

Child covered in mud holding a trophy, capturing a hilariously awkward childhood moment with a muddy face and outfit.

I was sprayed down with a fire hose afterward and wound up with hypothermia.

erinalexandra88 Report

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    #2

    I Wanted Dreadlocks In Highschool. Mom Gave Me Braids

    Teen boy with awkward hairstyle and glasses posing for a hilariously awkward childhood photo in a school portrait.

    IOwin Report

    A girl
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly, that hair is so straight that even braids were a feat. I have hair that straight.

    #3

    I Was 10 When I Realized People With No Bangs Had Grown Them Out, Not Cut Them Off

    Young girl smiling awkwardly while holding a toy, one of the hilariously awkward childhood photos from the collection.

    Evilrazzberi09 Report

    #4

    My Family Dubbed Me "Fivehead"

    Toddler smiling while sitting on a wooden rocking horse in a playful and awkward childhood photo.

    My friends said, "Can you do a brainblast for us?" and "Looks like you have a lot on your mind" when they first saw it.

    Forhaver Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    19 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fair. I wish we had 'after' photos.

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    #5

    My Friend Has The Best Awkward Childhood Photo Ever

    Toddler with blonde hair making a confused face in a hilariously awkward childhood photo with vintage style clothing.

    sarahkelleher Report

    #6

    My Uncle Being Embarrassed Of Me Trying To Sip Some Soda In Public

    Child using an extremely long straw to drink from a cup, capturing a hilariously awkward childhood photo moment.

    This was at a Hardy’s in Michigan right after we finished a 10-mile bike ride.

    o7baseball Report

    #7

    Apparently This Was The Best Photo They Could Get For My First Christmas

    Two young girls in matching outfits smiling awkwardly in a hilariously awkward childhood photo with a playful vibe.

    vpayne993 Report

    #8

    I Recently Visited My Sister Who Shared Her Favorite Childhood Photo Of Me - The Time I Married My Giant Stuffed Pikachu, Ricky

    Child wearing a floral dress and white headscarf holding flowers in an awkward childhood photo with Pikachu plush.

    DisgruntledPlebian Report

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    #9

    I Blame My Mom For This One. My Sweater Wasn't Stained, The Photo Is Just Old

    Childhood photo of a girl with glasses and pigtails wearing a colorful sweater, showcasing an awkward and funny moment.

    reddit.com Report

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it's funnier stained.

    #10

    Looking Back To My Iconic Fashion Choices

    Two awkward childhood photos side by side showing unique hairstyles and oversized earrings in casual settings.

    Year of the last warped tour, earlobe blowouts, Myspace, and getting bullied by the older scene kids.

    throatzila Report

    #11

    All Decked Out In Eyeliner And Angst, About To Go To The Local Emo Concert (2006)

    Teen girl with painted face and fishnet stockings sitting with crossed arms, showcasing hilariously awkward childhood photo style.

    CalvinFishoeder Report

    #12

    My Dad Always Thought This Haircut Looked Incredible On Me. My Mom Thought The Shirt Was Incredible. I'm A Female

    Smiling young boy with a mullet hairstyle wearing a patterned shirt in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    kikiglitz Report

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    #13

    School Photo Looking Like A 60-Year-Old Librarian With My Cardigan, Turtleneck, And Thick Glasses. Date And Age Unknown

    Awkward childhood photo of a smiling child wearing glasses, a floral shirt, and a cream knitted sweater.

    Was born in ‘89 if that helps.

    Al_E77 Report

    #14

    In 7th Grade, I Didn't Have A Date To The Dance, So I Cut Out A Picture Of Brendan Fraser And Taped It To A Stick And Brought It With Me. For Real

    Young girl in a red shirt and long skirt holding a stick with a photo attached, captured in awkward childhood moment.

    I thought my peers would celebrate my ingenuity and hilarity! They...uh...did not.

    kizeliz Report

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet he would love this if you tagged Brendan and posted this pic.

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    #15

    In Honor Of National Emo Day, I Thought I’d Share My Favorite Myspace Looks

    Collage of awkward childhood photos featuring colorful hairstyles and expressive poses showcasing unique youthful styles.

    kileriki Report

    #16

    My 9th Grade "Graduation" In 2002. 3 Months Later I Was In Military School In Texas

    Teen with bright red spiked hair wearing a red shirt with black designs, a necklace, posing for an awkward childhood photo.

    I was obsessed with Linkin Park, but yes.

    LeaveItToPeever Report

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My middle school son wanted his hair tipped. Salon wanted $50 to do it. I said - no way - I'll do it myself. Put him in a store-bought cap, applied the dye ... he ended up with SPOTS on his scalp. Paid more than $50 to have his head shaved and blond dye applied. He brings this up every so often as an example of what a bad mom I was. 😉

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    #17

    2004. Trying To Take A Myspace Photo While No One Was At Home

    Man in a black cape and purple shirt holding a red ball in a living room, part of hilariously awkward childhood photos.

    reddit.com Report

    #18

    Glad My Wife Changed Hairstyles Since Then

    Young girl with a voluminous hairstyle and floral skirt, smiling awkwardly in a vintage childhood photo.

    TrumpHairedHarambe Report

    #19

    I Show My Boyfriend One Picture From My Childhood And Suddenly Reproducing With Me Is Off The Table

    Teen with large 80s hairstyle and glasses wearing a colorful tie-dye shirt in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    sillysally1986 Report

    #20

    Describe Your Childhood With A Picture. This Is Not The Worst

    Vintage childhood photo of a smiling boy wearing a patterned sweater, capturing hilariously awkward childhood moments.

    newpaul30 Report

    #21

    Glamour Photo From 1994. I Was 8 Years Old (Going On 45 In This Pic)

    Child smiling in a sequined jacket with exaggerated 80s hairstyle and large earrings in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    mascoot_scootma Report

    #22

    1994, Age 7, First Grade. My Stepdad Says I Wanted My Hair Cut That Way

    Child with spiky haircut and colorful striped shirt in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    WarningThread64 Report

    #23

    Apparently I Didn't Know How To Smile In First Grade

    Young boy making a hilariously awkward face in a childhood photo with a green shirt and a gray background.

    pudgyllamarider Report

    #24

    I See Your Friend's "Awkward Childhood" Photo, And Raise You Mine. Man, I Was A Looker

    Chubby baby girl wearing pink holding wooden blocks spelling I love you in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    hipsterpickles Report

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wanna pinch those cheeks! Adorable!

    #25

    I Went To See The Easter Bunny While Sick With The Flu. Can You Tell Which One I Am?

    Vintage awkward childhood photo of two kids sitting with a person in a large bunny costume, capturing hilariously awkward moments.

    14thCenturyHood Report

    #26

    2005, College Freshmen, Full Of Rebellion

    Teen with bright red spiked mohawk and piercings posing indoors, a hilarious awkward childhood photo capturing unique style.

    dosVader Report

    #27

    This Is My Wife's Favorite Photo Of Me

    Young boy in a plaid shirt posing awkwardly against a colorful geometric background in a hilarious childhood photo.

    Zienth Report

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet he's super handsome now ... those eyes!

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    #28

    1995-1997 My Dear Grandpa Showed This To My Fiance The Night Before Our Holy Matrimony

    Child in vintage lace dress posing awkwardly for a hilariously awkward childhood photo from the collection.

    POLARBEARBRIDE Report

    #29

    When I Met My Childhood Crush, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, My Face Was Painted Like A Clown

    Two kids in awkward childhood photos, one with painted face and glasses, capturing hilariously awkward moments.

    ksouers Report

    #30

    My Childhood Picture

    Awkward childhood photo of a girl with glasses, a big hair bow, and a vest covered in dog and cat patterns.

    Hockeylove Report

    #31

    My Husband At 14 Years Old

    Teen boy with spiked hair and braces smiling in vintage awkward childhood photo from hilarious childhood moments collection.

    reddit.com Report

    #32

    I Used To Think It Was "Cute" To Dress Up Like My Doll

    Young girl in a red dress and patterned tights holding a toy stick in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    taste_the_blast Report

    Leslie Victor
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kinda like this one very vivian westwood

    #33

    I Had Liberal Parents And Tried To Rebel With This Haircut. It Backfired

    Teen girl with braces and glasses posing with awkward hairstyle in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    Effro1990 Report

    Betty Spaghetti
    Community Member
    16 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perhaps they were A Flock of Seagulls fans

    #34

    My Original 3rd Grade School Photo (Left). Mom Demanded A Retake (Right) With The Instructions "Smile! Show Some Teeth!" Note Which One Got Framed

    Two awkward childhood photos of a boy with a bowl haircut wearing a black shirt and tie, capturing funny childhood moments.

    reddit.com Report

    #35

    I Raise You All, My Sister's And My Most Embarrassing Childhood Photo. I'm The Unfortunate Soul On The Right

    Two children smiling awkwardly holding large vegetables in a backyard, capturing hilariously awkward childhood photos.

    sabertoothedliger Report

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    41 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You raised a couple potatoes and two tomatoes the whole summer?

    #36

    Embarrassingly Enough, This Is Not The Only Photo I Have Of Myself With Balloons Stuck Up Under My Shirt

    Young girl making funny muscle pose in a casual setting, part of hilariously awkward childhood photos collection.

    Ratlinger Report

    #37

    I Present To You This Very Caucasian Girl Who Dressed As A Rapper For Halloween

    Child wearing a colorful hat with fake dreadlocks and glasses, posing with a peace sign in a humorous childhood photo.

    When I was 12 and decided to go trick-or-treating as "Bob Marley" or whatever this is.

    EdwardDorito Report

    Helena
    Community Member
    43 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone didn't know the difference between reggae and rap.

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    #38

    2007 Photoshoot In My Grandparents' Bedroom. Not Sure What The Inspo For This Photoshoot Was Or What Emotion I Was Trying To Convey

    Awkward childhood photos of a girl in a red shirt and scarf posing humorously on a couch and by a window at night

    infinitewasteland Report

    Karl der Große
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You need a Sartre book to complete the look.

    #39

    This Is My Wife Circa 1989, Bless Her Heart

    Childhood photo of a smiling boy with red glasses and curly hair wearing a light blue sweatshirt in a studio portrait.

    tito_lee_76 Report

    #40

    My Entire Life Is A Kesha Phase

    Collage of hilariously awkward childhood photos featuring playful poses and funny expressions from teenage years.

    Complete_Mine5530 Report

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    39 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the best things about being born before the internet is...no internet pics.

    #41

    Didn’t Realize Whole Body Photo

    Child in a colorful sweater posing awkwardly with a vintage gumball machine in a retro childhood photo.

    The hair was a result of poor brushing during summer swim team, and I had to cut it off. Remember getting dressed that day thinking it was a top half photo, and I’d take the sweater off after the picture, hence the biker shorts. No idea about the gumball machine.

    reddit.com Report

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    #42

    This Is What "Rizz" Looked Like In The 90's

    Child holding a collection of Goosebumps books, a classic example of hilariously awkward childhood photos.

    mrcx8d Report

    #43

    It's 2013, 14-Year-Old Me Liked Photoshop, Fedoras, And Space

    Teen wearing glasses and a galaxy-patterned fedora, smiling against a surreal red planet landscape in a childhood photo.

    It was probably the only image of "space fedora" on Google images. I hadn't figured out how to flip images in Photoshop at that point.

    Insanitychick Report

    #44

    Yes That Is My Real Head, No This Photo Was Not Edited

    Young boy in a patterned shirt smiling awkwardly in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    The hairstyle is not helping me at all.

    the-gmail Report

    #45

    My 9-Year-Old Official Photo For A Tap Dancing Routine Set To "My Boyfriend's Back". Yes, That Is My Real Forehead. Yes, I Have Bangs Now For A Reason

    Young girl striking a confident pose in a retro outfit against a colorful sparkling backdrop, awkward childhood photo vibe.

    bunnysqueaks Report

    #46

    My Friend Was 12 Going On 45

    Child wearing teddy bear sweater and glasses in a vintage awkward childhood photo outdoors by a fence.

    dboyer87 Report

    #47

    My Graduation Outfit Was A Polyester Kimono I Spent All My Travel Money On At Disney World

    Child in a floral kimono and white hat standing indoors near a cabinet with Christmas stockings and glassware nearby.

    This was before going off to study Japanese at university. To be fair, though, encountering some of the people in that department was what started bringing me back to reality.

    Einmanabanana Report

    #48

    Permission Has Finally Been Granted To Share My Wife's Glorious Childhood Perm/Greatest Soccer Pic Of All Time

    Child with wild hair holding a soccer ball outdoors, capturing a hilariously awkward childhood photo moment.

    beautifully_ignorant Report

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is what Hermione should have looked like.

    #49

    My Wife And I Apparently Shared A Common Love For Ladders, Denim, And Bangs. Our Senior Years In The Late 90s

    Hilariously awkward childhood photos of a teenage girl and boy wearing denim outfits and posing for portraits.

    We actually met about five years after that. We grew up about an hour apart and she graduated a year before me, proving that this theme was universal.

    austinsbarnard Report

    #50

    My Boyfriend's Senior Picture

    Teen boy wearing sunglasses and a black sweater posing awkwardly against a brick wall in a childhood photo.

    I swear this picture watches me sleep...

    BuddytheElf4 Report

    #51

    Childhood Me Thought This Would Look Awesome. I Can't Believe They Let Me Take It

    Young boy in a blazer and sweater vest holding a pipe, posing for a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    NessieNeedsTreeFiddy Report

    Helena
    Community Member
    40 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Childhood you was correct. That is awesome.

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    #52

    Today I Completed My Master's Degree. To Celebrate My Future, I've Decided To Start By Embracing My Past. I Present My Single Most Embarrassing Photo

    Smiling boy in a bright sequined costume posing awkwardly in front of a star-themed backdrop in a childhood photo.

    carousin Report

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love that he looks so proud!

    #53

    10th Grade Me. My Fashion Sense Dictated T-Shirts And Flannels With Sleeves Cut Off

    Teen boy with exaggerated fluffy hairstyle sitting on a couch, a classic awkward childhood photo moment.

    MessyHot Report

    Leslie Victor
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh so you want to talk about your clothing choices?

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    #54

    “Thriller” Dance Routine My Sister And I Put On For Our Parents, Where Being A Zombie Meant You Had Hairbrushes Stuck In Your Hair

    Two children with messy makeup and hair in a hilariously awkward childhood photo capturing funny moments.

    blizzardofsal Report

    #55

    Everyone, Meet My Alter Ego, Kyle

    Person in playful costume sitting on carpet holding guitar, a funny and awkward childhood photo with humorous vibe.

    rawtomatoesaregross Report

    #56

    My Sister Asked Me To Post This For Her. She Asked The Babysitter To Make Her Look Like Ernie. She Loved Ernie

    Child with awkward clown face paint holding a puppet, showcasing a hilariously awkward childhood photo moment.

    reddit.com Report

    #57

    Bringing This One Back. My 9th Grade Picture In 2013. Thanks I Hate It

    Teen boy with braces and spiky hair wearing a leather jacket, a hilarious awkward childhood photo from the collection.

    sunstarrz Report

    #58

    My Boyfriend And His Mom In 1992

    Woman smiling in blue outfit holding wide-eyed child in sleeveless shirt in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    Commercial_Fig_6366 Report

    #59

    Mom Asked Me To Model For A “Moody” Photo Shoot. Peak 7th Grade Me

    Teen boy in blue jacket and jeans awkwardly leaning on a tree stick in a sandy outdoor setting, childhood photo moment.

    omnipresent_cat Report

    #60

    Favorite Picture Of My Husband

    Vintage childhood photo of a boy wearing glasses and a blue vest, capturing hilariously awkward childhood moments.

    My husband gave me permission to share this gem of a photo of him. He believes he was in 3rd or 4th grade, 1986 or 1987.

    BMC1118 Report

    #61

    My Wife Was Every Generic 90’s Advertisement In Picture

    Childhood photo of a girl with glasses posing with Beanie Babies, capturing a hilariously awkward moment.

    Every generic ’90s advertisement in one picture.

    drepythagoras Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #62

    2004 - It Was "Clown Day" At School. I Was The Only One In Costume. Aside From The Clown At The Assembly. Thanks Mom

    Child in awkward childhood photo wearing clown makeup, large bow, and blue dress striking a playful pose indoors.

    reddit.com Report

    #63

    Aparently I Wouldn’t Stop Licking My Lips

    Young girl in a purple tutu dress holding a large lollipop, posing with a shy smile in an awkward childhood photo.

    cranberry8ginger8ale Report

    Betty Spaghetti
    Community Member
    11 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kids operating purely off of vibes 😂

    #64

    My Super Fun Aunt Used To Work At A Photography Center At Sears

    Child wearing a yellow hat and red bow tie, holding a wooden toy horse in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    Juniphron Report

    #65

    Me In The 90s, Absolutely Thrilled To Be Wearing This Chipmunk Onesie

    Child in a fuzzy animal costume standing in a living room, part of hilariously awkward childhood photos collection.

    My mom made me wear this to meet Chip and Dale in Disneyland Paris, in the sweltering heat. It’s a miracle I survived. Also, I truly miss having a TV so big that it can fit a photo frame, a haunted porcelain doll, and a giant lamp on it. The good old days.

    InfinityLara Report

    #66

    My Dad Sent Me This Picture The Other Day. I Was 17

    Awkward childhood photo of a kid with large glasses and a headband sitting in a room with a dog and vintage decor.

    hernkate Report

    #67

    Me And My Sibling Crossdressing As A "Present" To Our Mom For Mother's Day (2004)

    Two kids posing for a photo with braces, one dressed in a dress holding a purse, the other holding Pringles in a hilarious childhood photo.

    I'm the one on the left. I really couldn't tell you why, but we decided that we could swap wardrobes and present ourselves to our mom as a gift for Mother's Day. Apparently Pringles are for boys. That was intentional. I padded the dress with bars of soap.

    reddit.com Report

    #68

    Corduroy Cat Vest, 1994

    Child wearing colorful cat print vest and white turtleneck posing for a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    0verandOver Report

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She was ahead of her time.

    #69

    My Mom Was Going Through Old Photos And Found The Worst Possible Picture Of Me

    Young boy in a straw hat holding a stick, sitting with a cat, capturing an awkward childhood photo moment.

    justgrant2009 Report

    #70

    6th Grade Was A Rough Year

    Awkward childhood photo of a smiling boy with messy hair, capturing a hilariously awkward moment from youth.

    Stay-Fly Report

    #71

    Me, Age 13, For 8th Grade Valentine’s Dance

    Smiling young woman in vintage patterned blouse and necklace, a classic example of hilariously awkward childhood photos.

    Musicorac Report

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    #72

    My Parents Made A SpongeBob Costume For Me Out Of An Old CRT TV Box (2001)

    Child in a homemade costume with glasses and patterned tie, part of hilariously awkward childhood photos collection.

    DigitalDavid94 Report

    #73

    I Was Blessed With A Mom Who Believed In Creative Freedom For Her Kids

    Awkward childhood photo of smiling boy with messy hair and loose tie against a green school photo background.

    Outrageous_Use3255 Report

    #74

    This Is How I Smiled Because I Had No Top Teeth

    Two kids in matching blue school uniforms smiling awkwardly for a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    dragoninmy**** Report

    #75

    This Was Me At 16... I’m A Dude

    Young girl smiling indoors at an event, wearing a patterned tie and sweater, part of hilariously awkward childhood photos.

    ttaylor0murphyy Report

    #76

    Right Before A Brutal Transfer From Homeschool To Public School. Circa 2007

    Childhood photo of a boy wearing glasses and a white sweater vest, capturing a hilariously awkward moment.

    reddit.com Report

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    56 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had no older siblings. Was not plugged into popular culture. Showed up for first day of Junior High (grade 7) in a dress and socks and loafers - specifically bought for the day - in 1974 when everyone else was dressed in jeans and a tee shirt. Did not help my already low self-esteem.

    #77

    My Wife Gave Me Permission To Share This Picture Of Her From The Early 90s

    Child with curly hair and large red glasses smiles awkwardly in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    tito_lee_76 Report

    #78

    Our Most Embarrassing Photo

    Two children in vintage dance costumes posing against a sparkly backdrop in an awkward childhood photo moment.

    _mcmanus_ Report

    #79

    Had To Fight The Ladies Off With A Stick In 8th Grade

    Teenage boy with glasses and acne wearing a blue shirt in a hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    Therealfern1 Report

    #80

    My Mom Just Sent This To Me, And I Guess Now Everyone Else Has To See It Too

    Young girl in a wide-brimmed hat posing with a matching doll in a vintage-style hilariously awkward childhood photo.

    reddit.com Report