Children’s minds are incredible. Those little sponges are constantly soaking up information and knowledge as their understanding of the world deepens by the day. What I wouldn’t give to have a childlike sense of wonder again and an imagination that could keep me entertained for weeks on end. Observing kids’ infinite supply of creativity is a beautiful thing, but along with that shameless curiosity comes a few downsides. One of which being how they innocently do and say the stupidest things imaginable.
From putting food under their beds to trying to wrap their minds around how babies are made, we’ve gathered some of the funniest posts from the “Look How Stupid These Kids Are” subreddit proving that the logic of a child does not always hold up in the real world. Enjoy reading these stories and reminiscing on when you were a kid without a care in the world, going about your day totally ignorant to your stupidity. Keep reading to also find an interview with Melissa Wilson, mom and co-host of The Juggling Act podcast. Be sure to upvote all of your favorite posts, and then if you want to read about even more dumb things kids have done, check out Bored Panda’s last article on the same topic right here.
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Wholesome But Fitting
Being a parent is certainly not easy, so it’s only fair that by bringing a tiny human into the world, moms and dads also receive a small comedian as a roommate. It is so easy to forget that for children, everything we have seen and understood for decades is brand new to them. We learn to accept how society works, even if we don’t fully understand or agree with every facet, so somewhere along the line we stop exercising so much curiosity. But kids want to understand the world. They love asking questions, and they assume that adults must know everything, so there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Obviously, pages like “Look How Stupid These Kids Are” are all in good fun. Each and every one of us was once a “stupid kid” who had to learn everything that we now know. Nobody emerges from the womb being able to tell time or quote Shakespeare. (That would actually be quite scary...) At the same time, there is nothing wrong with finding humor and joy in all of the silly little things children do that they would find hilarious ten or fifteen years later.
This Picture Explains It All
We reached out to mom of two and co-host of The Juggling Act podcast, Melissa Wilson, to hear if she remembered any dumb things that she did as a kid. "I dropped a doll down the toilet when I was two, and went in after it," she told us. "My feet got stuck in the u-bend, and instead of my mum getting me out, she went and got the camera. That picture was on the back of our toilet door my whole childhood."
We also asked Melissa what the dumbest thing she has ever caught her kids doing was. "I caught my kids pulling chillies off the plant and rubbing them on their lips because they thought it was a lipstick. That was a fun half hour..."
Lastly, we asked Melissa why she thinks kids are so entertaining. She told us, "The innocence and brutal honesty that they approach life with often results in something funny being said or done. They are brilliant at saying the things adults think! They have no concept of consequences yet, which is so often where the LOLs happen (as long as no one loses a limb)."
If you'd like to hear more parenting stories and get some advice from moms who have been through it all, be sure to check out The Juggling Act podcast.
Greatest Potato Peeler
We all know that children do not simply wake up one day understanding logic and exercising critical thinking skills. Their development is a process that takes many years and involves various stages. According to Swiss psychologist and genetic epistemologist Jean Piaget, there are 4 main stages to a child’s cognitive development: the sensorimotor stage, the preoperational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage.
The sensorimotor stage is a child’s first stage of cognitive development and lasts from birth until they are two years old. This stage involves learning about the world through movements and sensations and through basic actions such as sucking, grasping, looking and listening, and understanding the concept of object permanence. Babies in this stage also start to realize that they are separate from the people and things around them and that their actions can affect the world around them. Babies or toddlers in this stage might not be doing or saying anything too stupid just yet, but don't worry. They'll get there soon.
Let Go Of Your Negative Emotions
Octopus In The Butt
Well thank for sharing. *ocean now ruined for possibly dozens of pandas
The Turtle Sandwich Bites Back
Between the ages of 2 and 7, children are in the preoperational stage of cognitive development. This is when they start to think symbolically and learn how to use words and images to represent objects. They start to get better at using language and thinking, but they usually only think in concrete terms. In this phase, they are still egocentric and have a hard time understanding anyone else’s perspective, but this is a time where kids experiment with “pretend play” and become more skilled at it. The older end of kids in the preoperational stage might be some of the most prone to doing and saying stupid things that might end up on this list. They are full of curiosity and have learned how to communicate well enough to express their thoughts, so while they can be surprisingly wise for their ages, dumb ideas can also come pouring out of them freely.
Good One Ellie
Everyone in for all chores and errands to be named like this?
Blinds Story
From ages 7 to 11, kids are in the concrete operational stage. This is when they start to think logically about concrete events and begin to understand the concept of conservation: “that the amount of liquid in a short, wide cup is equal to that in a tall, skinny glass, for example”. A child in this phase’s thinking becomes more logical and organized during this phase, and they can start using inductive logic, or “reasoning from specific information to a general principle”. During this time, kids start to imagine how someone else might be feeling or thinking, but they still have a hard time grasping abstract or hypothetical concepts. They understand that their thoughts are unique, though, so they become more curious about the opinions of others. Kids in this stage might understand a great deal, but they still have a long way to go before they are in the clear of stupidity.
How Are You Still Alive
I’m Sorry Cakey
Just 3
The final stage of a child’s cognitive development, when they might finally start doing and saying less stupid things, is the formal operational stage. This is from the age of 12 up, when kids start to think abstractly and learn how to reason hypothetical problems. During this time, kids also start to think more about moral, philosophical, ethical, social and political issues and begin to use deductive logic. They typically begin to do less and less stupid things as this phase goes on, but no one is in the clear. Teenagers are famous for having questionable judgment, so if you’re a parent, don’t think the idiocy has ended once they reach thirteen.
Well, It's The Spargel Season
Are You Poopin?!
At Least He Had Good Intentions
To be fair to kids, I know plenty of adults who do stupid things regularly, including myself. We all have our dumb moments that we’re not proud of, but sometimes adults can get away with them if no one notices. Unfortunately since kids are under almost constant supervision, it is not so easy for them to forget to pack any underwear in their bag for a camping trip without anyone else realizing. Our brains are not fully developed until we’re 25, so we can’t blame the youth for being forgetful or not understanding how the world works. Think about how many adults don’t know how to ride a bike or swim. Plenty of kids probably think they are dumb too; it’s all just a matter of perspective.
The Kiss Of Death
That Kid Isn't Normal
Life Is Tough
Adults love reliving all of the stupid things they did as kids or things their children have done. To celebrate all of these hilariously, humbling stories, the book Not Your Mother's Book . . . On Being a Stupid Kid was born. Featuring anecdotes from nearly 60 authors about "crazy capers, double-dog dares and those youthful escapades you never shared with your parents”, On Being a Stupid Kid has been loved by audiences for almost a decade now.
Readers on Amazon have given the book rave reviews, with one woman saying that the book "takes you down memory lane with stories that we can all relate to". "With the contributors of this book being based in America I was surprised at how kids worldwide are all the same," she wrote. "Pranks may differ slightly due to the climate and resources available but one thing is for sure... All kids do things that are really stupid!”
The Memory Still Brings Me Great Joy
Wholesome
How Dare He
Another fan of On Being A Stupid Kid wrote in her review that the book is, “One of the best books in a series I have ever read and so funny you will pee your pants laughing. You can travel with those children ‘authors’ whose penchant for stupid antics leaves them in icy water, a Back Yard Armageddon of fire crackers and blowing up toy soldiers, Truth or Consequences in a tampon gone AWOL in a water skiing venture, Rollercoaster Bra that hinges somewhere not intended to a Night of Crime in tipping over an outhouse. It doesn't stop there, school fights in First Grade Olive Branch (written by me and very proud to be included in this anthology), Doughnut Snitch ... you name it, it is in this book. Each and every one of these stories will touch your heart and make you reflect on your own precious memories. It isn't a mamby-pamby hide your head in shame book or cover it up under the sheet and use a flashlight in secret but one that is real, down-to-earth with true life happenings. You know, those stories you never told your parents! It's universal, these stupid kids…”
In A Flash
3 For 1 Special
To Be Fair, The Dad Could Have Been Honest
Sometimes kids themselves are not dumb, but they lack the forethought to make smart decisions. Or they want to learn lessons from experience. It is not enough for mom to tell me that if I bounce a basketball inside I might break something. I don’t believe her. So let’s just see what happens– oh! How did that vase get broken? When it comes to older kids, peer pressure is also a relevant factor in how likely teens are to do stupid things or take stupid risks. In fact, a study by researchers at Temple University found that teens are much more likely to take risks when peers are watching. Unfortunately, the older they become, the better kids get at hiding these stupid decisions from adults, but they usually come to light. Then you can mock your child for the next ten years about hitting the mailbox with your car or leaving their windows rolled down during a thunderstorm.
When I Was 8 I Was A God Damn Poet
Where Did It Go?
The Pretty Mom And The Other Mom
Sadly, children have to grow up and will not continue to do and say stupid things forever. (Well, some of them might, but let's hope that they don't...) If you are a parent or you have friends with kids, cherish those hilariously dumb moments while they last. And while you're at it, feel free to share them on the internet, so the rest of us can laugh at them too. Be sure to upvote your favorite posts, and let us know in the comments if you remember any particularly dumb things you did as a child.
Well Played
Stupid Are The Kids
Times Up
Child Has Psychic Powers
It's Spicy
Oh My
Poor Granola Bar
I’m rly confused as to what the “F” thing is about, plz don’t downvote me, I’m just rly confused
Important Questions For The Doctor
Oreo
Caring For Grandma!
Over And Out
I Was Misbehaving At Dinner
Good Effort Tho
A,b, C, D-O You Have A Cat
Would Not Stop Crying Until She Got Her Own Cone Of Shame
I Could Even Visualize It Happening
She Was Scammed
I Wonder What It Was About
This guy is awesome, and always has funny stuff to share about his children
My Daughter Is Planning Her First Sleepover. I’m Concerned About #2
I Just imagined a 6 ft tall Red démon with horns painting nails And doing yoga with a group of small Girls And slowly getting to enjoy this
Ok, You Have Piqued My Interest
But I’m A Minor?
My Son Thought This Light Switch Would Control The Lights In The Store
Big Jim
Probably Because She Was Hungry
My older asked me when I ate his little sister when I was pregnant with her.
Can I Offer You An Egg In This Trying Time?
40 Is The New 90
Good Morning
I Learned When One Yelled At Me
This Is Genius!
Reminded Me Of A Guy At My School Who Confused Circumference And Circumcision In A Maths Lesson
Did he ask to be excused and then return five minutes later red faced and tears in eyes
Time To Renew
Hide And Seek With My Niece
What niece? All I see is a few trees, grass, a wall with a fence on top...
Kids
I Used To Turtle Up When I Was Really Mad
We Shall Watch Your Career With Great Interest
This Would Be A Fantastic Condom Commercial
"Part Of The Muffin Eating Experience"
Watch What You Say Around 4yr Olds
3 Months Later
Honestly, I Wonder Who's Fault It Was
Message To Parents Today
"...Parents, be assured that Socialism is not tolerated at our school..."
It’s One Way Out, I Guess
Pretty Much
My godson thinks all dogs with triangular ears are cats since they have cat ears. He really likes his neighbours samoyed cat.
This Is Kind Of Cute Though
This happened to me but with my dad when we had just moved to America
Tity And Per China
That’s A Lot Of Cows
Once I was playing Minecraft with my friend. She heard me cackling over our discord call, and immediately teleported to where I was. She spent the next ten minutes yelling at me, while I desperately tried to smother my laughter, because i had spawned literally hundreds of foxes all over her garden!! Took ages to get them all out.
He Is Not Wrong Though
End Of Story
From A Book I Wrote In 1st Grade
Connecticut Is Boring!
Mom’s Being Weird
Kids can be innocent. And then they could go on to say, "I wish the expiration date was sooner!"
Archduke Metallica
You’re A Witch
"I most certainly am, and you're not getting any of this delicious apple pie, mwa-ha-ha!"
Battle Royale
I Am Not Sure If This Is Stupid Or Next Level?
Of Course Not
Not On The Internet
Oof
Kid Causing A Traffic Jam At Legoland
Thats A Cursed Piggy Bank Right There
Runaway Murderer
Just Watched A Kid In My Apartment Lobby Get Excited About Seeing His Dad Outside, Run Face First Into The Glass Panel, And Crack It
If You Look Closely, You Can See My Son Hiding From Me
2yo Put Crayons In The Dishwasher. There's No Coming Back From That
Not To Brag, But My Daughter Has Me Ranked As The 11th Best Dad
Flashback To When I Was 6 Years Old And Didn’t Totally Understand The Severity Of 9/11 When It Happened
He Started To Regret The Climb
Ruthlessly Stolen
Peabody and Sherman. I got nightmares bc of the getting the brain out of the nose from the pharoh scene...
“Until The Materials Come In”
Was that just before or after the FBI came bursting in the windows repelling from black helicopters?
Parents Got Mad About It Too
Feeding Dust
Legend-Airy
LEGO Cocaine
Honey, I Cheated On You
My dad gave me his Phone to text mom some info, he never texts, she answered with something rowdy so we laughed And I wrote "ok mom I keep in my room in the evening, bye"
My 10 Year Old Nephew Told His Mom He Doesn’t Know How His Phone Broke. He Just Woke Up And It Was Like That. A Few Days Later She Finds He Posted This On Youtube
10 years old with a dirt bike and a YouTube channel? When I was 10 I was barely allowed on the internet
Classic Movie Prank
No Stupid Questions. Just Stupid People
Entering A Stranger’s Place For Chocolates
Sex Wedding
The Physical Requirements For Being A Pilot Seem A Bit Too Restrictive
The Disappointment In The Mother’s Eyes
One Of The Students In My Class Was Searching For ‘Prawnhub’ In Class Today. When I Asked Him About It He Said He Really Wanted To Know More About Prawns
Guess I’m Stupid
Well, lady, I actually expect kids to be immature, and the dictionary definition is on my side.
Kids Are Masters Of Gossip
What My Aunt Encountered When She Went To Pour Herself A Whiskey On The Rocks
Apparently Our 12yo Just Discovered Rickrolling, Not Sure He Quite Gets It
*sigh*
My Brother Is Crying Because I Have A Chair From My Dining Room In My Bedroom. Now He Is Laying Still On The Ground
A Cold Blooded Murderer
Love Spending $200 Just To See
OH, DO YOU WANNA TRADE? *rips off R: -5.25 L: -6 prescription glasses and walks into a pole*
Goodnight Beans
After reading books to my kids over and over again, out of exteme boredom I decided to start intentionally making changes like that. Had them laughing hysterically, and after that they always said "DO THE JOKES!"
Blue
Neighbors Kid Is Destined For Either An Electrifying Early Demise Or A Future Career In Electrical Engineering
Was Going Through An Old Family Album And I Found A Picture Of Me Posing With This Artistic Masterpiece
Very Deserved Grief In My Opinion
175%
I was two years old when I simply grabbed my dad's cousin's glass of rum and just threw back. One peg of rum neat. I don't remember it but my mom reminds me how I sat down and looked like I had and electric shock.
Kids Theories
Petition For This To Be The Subreddit's New Icon
Just A Reminder. Hide All Of Your Devices
And He Never Carried A Pizza Again
This would have been a great picture for that domino's pizza insurance commercial they ran a while back
Younger Sisters Friend Tried To Open My Bottle Of Wine Last Night. I Just Found It Like This. Completely Ruined
I heard this story about a woman who went to an English speaking doctor, though she didn't know much English herself. They were able to communicate enough for the doctor to understand she was having stomach pains. They did test after test on this woman, and finally via a translator heard her describe the pain as 'the bird inside her stomach was pecking her'. Nobody knew what that meant, and since none of the tests were showing that anything was wrong, they finally called in a shrink. It turned out, when the woman was little, her uncle had told her a bird lived in her stomach, and that whenever she was hungry, the bird would peck her, and that's where hunger pain came from. So, the woman was hungry, she just didn't understand what was going on with her body. She ended up needing psychological treatment to help her sort it out. And that's why you shouldn't tease children with silly made-up nonsense about how things work.
good thing that woman have a great insurance considering all the tests and psych treatments.
Load More Replies...When i was younger, my parent, grandparents, uncle, aunt, sibling and I were in my grandparents basement kinda chillin' and my uncle came downstairs to give us some chocolate covered orange slices and I said "No i don't want any!" And my aunt asked why and I replied with, "oranges are spicy have you ever seen a crab"
Lol that sounds like something I might've said. But do you know what oranges, spiciness, and crabs have in common with each other? I kind of want to know why you thought that
Load More Replies...I just kept screen shooting these to put up on my WhatsApp status.🤣🤣🤣🤣 Too funny!!
When I was 7 my aunt was pregnant for the first time. I asked her when each part of the baby was coming out, because for some reason 7 years old me was absolutely sure that Babies came out a organ/limb a time and had to be assembled like a puzzle outside. My aunt was confused and horrorized, but my parents and older brother (13 at time) died laughing. My sister was 10 and she was very confused, just not sure If because she believed in me or didn't know where I had get that from.
Not done, but said. We bought our 6yo grandson a moneybox and we're explaining about doing us a few jobs (picking lemons off our tree) and earning some coins for his money box. He thought about this for a few seconds then in a very clear voice said "I'm gunna get a government bailout". To say I was flabbergasted puts it mildly, certainly speechless. Turns out this is one way to get funds in a computer game he plays. I figure he'll become a committed capitalist though.
I heard this story about a woman who went to an English speaking doctor, though she didn't know much English herself. They were able to communicate enough for the doctor to understand she was having stomach pains. They did test after test on this woman, and finally via a translator heard her describe the pain as 'the bird inside her stomach was pecking her'. Nobody knew what that meant, and since none of the tests were showing that anything was wrong, they finally called in a shrink. It turned out, when the woman was little, her uncle had told her a bird lived in her stomach, and that whenever she was hungry, the bird would peck her, and that's where hunger pain came from. So, the woman was hungry, she just didn't understand what was going on with her body. She ended up needing psychological treatment to help her sort it out. And that's why you shouldn't tease children with silly made-up nonsense about how things work.
good thing that woman have a great insurance considering all the tests and psych treatments.
Load More Replies...When i was younger, my parent, grandparents, uncle, aunt, sibling and I were in my grandparents basement kinda chillin' and my uncle came downstairs to give us some chocolate covered orange slices and I said "No i don't want any!" And my aunt asked why and I replied with, "oranges are spicy have you ever seen a crab"
Lol that sounds like something I might've said. But do you know what oranges, spiciness, and crabs have in common with each other? I kind of want to know why you thought that
Load More Replies...I just kept screen shooting these to put up on my WhatsApp status.🤣🤣🤣🤣 Too funny!!
When I was 7 my aunt was pregnant for the first time. I asked her when each part of the baby was coming out, because for some reason 7 years old me was absolutely sure that Babies came out a organ/limb a time and had to be assembled like a puzzle outside. My aunt was confused and horrorized, but my parents and older brother (13 at time) died laughing. My sister was 10 and she was very confused, just not sure If because she believed in me or didn't know where I had get that from.
Not done, but said. We bought our 6yo grandson a moneybox and we're explaining about doing us a few jobs (picking lemons off our tree) and earning some coins for his money box. He thought about this for a few seconds then in a very clear voice said "I'm gunna get a government bailout". To say I was flabbergasted puts it mildly, certainly speechless. Turns out this is one way to get funds in a computer game he plays. I figure he'll become a committed capitalist though.