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For parents of misbehaving kids (which, let's face it, is all parents), embarrassment is one of the most effective ways of turning the tables. Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of a child who might've gotten a little too big for their britches more than being shown up in front of their mates.

Kids get to a stage, usually around their early teens, when they just find their parents to be eye-rollingly cringeworthy. They want to strike out in the world and find their own identities - and consequently begin to rebel a little against the 'authority figures' that are their parents. It can be a difficult period for both child and parent, but with some understanding and good humor, it can be easily negotiated.

This list, inspired by a Nick Harvey tweet, is a classic of the genre: Mortified children recounting the horror of their most embarrassing parent-related moments. Sure, some of these parents put their kids through a public shaming entirely by accident; but there are also plenty of vengeful moms and dads who knew exactly what they were doing!

Scroll down below to check out the list for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

Image credits: mrnickharvey
#1

Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

HappyProjectLDN Report

Tara
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“Peter, your balls!” That is hilarious. Go mum

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    #2

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    writersblock08 Report

    #3

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    dgutte Report

    Francis
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    how to be found when you're lost - class 101

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    #6

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    sueveneer Report

    #7

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    HelenJayne Report

    Foxxy’s #1 fan
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I almost got busted smoking coz stupid young me hid an ashtray on my window sill. Well der you can see what’s on the sill from the outside. I was a bloody idiot. I am still a bit of a ditz.

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    #9

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    JessicaRS Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this is actually funny. :)

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    #11

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    JasonPtrDavies Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do not hink this is embarassing but nice!

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    #12

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    just_cameroon Report

    Iggy
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A book and a discussion might have been a better idea!

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    #13

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    MittenDAmour Report

    Francis
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    and again: please ground open up and swallow me :D sh*t THIS is embarrassing

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    #14

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    giftedHKO Report

    Francis
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    if i was the DJ, i had laughed my a*s off :D

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    #15

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    SamWhyte Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pre-approving sex education. Wow. Just wow. Why?

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    #17

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    WalberryCP Report

    My O My
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You tend to find yourself a s.o. that has similarities to your parents. Congrats. You did a great job

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    #18

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    did_40 Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Frankly, this is not embarrasing, this is really, reall sad.

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    #19

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    DrBeauBeaumont Report

    Iggy
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Ground open up and swallow me, please!"

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    #20

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    helenraw Report

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    #23

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    alistaircoleman Report

    Sinkvenice
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Years ago I asked my boss "My boyfriend is coming to visit for my birthday, can I have it off?" He said "That isn't a question you should ask a work colleague." It took me a couple of seconds but my face spontaneously combusted and I ran out of the laboratory with his laughter echoing down the hallway. Fiend.

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    #24

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    snowbeasty Report

    A B C
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really wonder what the wheelchair guy thought in that moment

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    #26

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    Seasidedolly Report

    #27

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    RachelTurnham Report

    #28

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    L3GSV Report

    Tara
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Naked parents yelling could be a whole other post completely.

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    #29

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    jim_pennington Report

    Tara
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was waiting for him to say, “I was 22”

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    #31

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    tomvamos Report

    #32

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    AlexanderMat Report

    Francis
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the moment you realize that dying in a car accident might not be that bad... (i'm ready for the downvotes..)

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    #34

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    TheTrebble Report

    Marky Mark And The Funky Bunch
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not missing a beat, he responded, "I'm just glad you're not buying an aubergine" (aubergine = eggplant)

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    #35

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    LoreleiKing Report

    IzzieM
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am going to google the Frug immediately!

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    #36

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    one_mrs_k Report

    Kristof De Smet
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had a similar experience once in Germany: mum asks for a roasted chicken at a stall, and the guy replies asking 'Ein gansche?', which means a complete chicken, not half of it. My mum, being Flemish understood 'A goose?' ('een ganse?') and replies 'No, no, a chicken!'

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    #37

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    Shuttlewood Report

    Erratic Logic
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate parents like that. Why can't you just relax & let your kids enjoy playing a game?

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    #39

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    Caroline_Lno1 Report

    #40

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    JaneCaseyAuthor Report

    Iggy
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure Seamus Heaney got a good laugh out of it.

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    #42

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    ladywildheart Report

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    #45

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    driverminnie Report

    Kristof De Smet
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If a man would have done it to her, she probably would have filed a complaint...

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    #48

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    SamarydMk2 Report

    xXKittensweetXx
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    rule number one: if you see photos, videos, or crafts being pulled out.. RUN

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    #50

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    katesaunders13 Report

    Randomcthulu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mother used to say "Those aren't my kids, those are the pod children that we let out into public." Lol

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    #55

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    mummysnowyowl Report

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    #57

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    KeirHusband Report

    Tara
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is be a “liar, liar?” (Another dad joke. Sorry)

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    #58

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    lozengecapsule Report

    Hard 2 Guess
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, at least you know your MIL is looking out for you.

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    #60

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    KarenMColvin Report

    Tanja
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    her child was hurt, no time for vanity!

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    #61

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    Seja75 Report

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    #63

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    SpacemanSonic Report

    Tara
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think that’s more embarrassing to your poor mum...maybe?

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    #65

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    EnterpriseSBox Report

    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a mother, I don't think it was a mistake 😂

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    #66

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    connorjbyrne Report

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    #67

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    TigerLantern Report

    European other
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My Mum tried to measure me for a bra in M&S in front of other staff and shoppers !!!

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    #68

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    mariejarvie Report

    European other
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah that's what we innocently used to call an eraser in the 1980s

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    #70

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    TheNoisyTable Report

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    #72

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    patpucker Report

    KaPOW
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your GF must have hated your mum after that

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    #74

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    PamHarper20 Report

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    #75

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    heylottie Report

    Chris Jones
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good Grief! The girl was 19 - an adult. Not an appropriate way to treat an adult daughter.

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    #76

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    wired_gold Report

    Iggy
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bahahahahahahaha! Morto for you!

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    #78

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    clairabellejp Report

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    #81

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    HelenRe07161271 Report

    xXKittensweetXx
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i find pain funny.. but this isnt embarrassing just a little sad

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    #82

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    mickbailey64 Report

    Foxxy’s #1 fan
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Haha, I was outside having a ciggie (when I smoked) at a shopping centre when a teenager approached me and asked me for a smoke. and I asked them for ID, they said they left it at home but I refused to give them one.

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    #84

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    gnomoeoffice Report

    WilvanderHeijden
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If only more dads had the courage to confront those creeps.

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    #85

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    jorisdemanmusic Report

    Emerald Joanna
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's embarrassing for the s@#t parents...way to NOT back your kid!

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    #86

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    BannedEmma Report

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    #87

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    s_pamantha Report

    xXKittensweetXx
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    thats not funny you disgusting creeps! the poor little boy just got threw up on!

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    #88

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    Jen_Furby Report

    Nicola Roberts
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dad hadn't met the in laws.... that's a different story

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    #89

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    madpaduk Report

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    #90

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    garrity_nick Report

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    #91

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    tooliebox Report

    Alex Bailey
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beige tanktop! 70s or not - he saved you.

    #92

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    jesswade Report

    CrunChewy McSandybutt
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What time does the Subway stop running? And do they not have taxis in London?

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    #93

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    iainrow Report

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    #96

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    LukeB_MTB Report

    #97

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    shaunbrilldream Report

    Alex Bailey
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aw, I went to a Radio One Roadshow in Brighton. Shame they stopped doing them.

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    #99

    Embarrassing-Parent-Moments-Stories-Tweets

    wayside24 Report

    Alex Bailey
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That should have been Baby Belling for those who might not know.