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Ask any parent and they will say that raising a child is one of the most difficult jobs in life. Being in charge of a delicate life is super scary and there's the always-present question of whether you should bribe your child with screentime or not. It's a good thing, then, that most parents use humor as a defensive system when nothing else works.

To see how sleep-deprived parents coped with the shenanigans of their munchkins this April, we've gathered some of their best tweets to share with you.

Parenting being one of the most back-breaking jobs in life, it turns out, is not just a simple saying. More than 60% of adults in America have said that parenthood was somewhat more difficult than they imagined, according to the newest research by Pew Research. Likewise, 26% stated that it was much harder than they thought it would be. 

These fascinating statistics also range between genders and different social backgrounds. For example, 30% of women have reported that they didn't expect motherhood to be this hard, compared with 20% of dads, with 3-in-5 saying they do an "excellent or very good job" at it. We can't help but wonder what their partners think about that.

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    But becoming a parent comes with great responsibility. Also, with a lot of terrible advice and misconceptions that we can blame on television. "The list is endless when it comes to misconceptions about parenting on TV and in films," Vicki Broadbent, the founder of Honest Mum, a lifestyle and parenting blog, and a mother of three, told Bored Panda.

    "I've noticed a culture shift recently, thankfully," Broadbent said, naming Netflix's "Working Moms" as the best example. "But for the most part, the 'fairytales' we're presented with usually start in the delivery room with, 'two pushes and the baby is out' style births. C-sections, PND, breastfeeding, moving from 1-2 or 2-3 plus kids, etc., and the realities of juggling kids with work/relationships are rarely depicted honestly."

    #6

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    dadmann_walking Report

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    Feathered Dinosaur
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can we repeat this with loading and unloading the dishwasher, vacuuming and doing the laundry? 😉

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    One of the most prevalent issues for modern parents is: how can you manage your kids’ screen time in a way that’s good for them? Is it actually possible, or I'm just bribing them with it to carve out some breathing space to get some work done?

    Vicki thinks that it's not so black-and-white, when it comes to screen time. "It's far easier to implement a no screen time rule if you wish before they start school," she said, "but it's important to understand using a screen isn't synonymous with bad parenting. Quite the opposite when done in moderation."

    #9

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    itssherifield Report

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    James016
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ve caught myself sounding like my dad at times. It’s unsettling.

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    #10

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    daddygofish Report

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    Although 3-in-5 parents agree that their child spends too much time staring at a screen, according to one of the most comprehensive studies on the subject that examined over 350,000 teenagers, the use of technology was linked to only 0.4% of the total variation in their mental well-being. "Children are learning all the time (and having fun!) from watching age-appropriate content (my daughter, for example, loves the teacher, Mrs. Rachel)," said Broadbent. "Your child will be using screens to learn once they are in school or via their homework."

    #12

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    Dad_At_Law Report

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    SkyBlueandBlack
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can confirm, my mom taught 8th grade math, and she legit did that. "You seem to need more attention than I can give you right now, as I have a class to teach, so let's go call your mom."

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    #14

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    itssherifield Report

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    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I once asked why my sister and I didn't share a room, mum's response was "you wouldn't survive " dad's response was "have you met your sister"

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    Vicki suggests that moderation is key when wrestling with the screen time dilemma. "Implement specific tech time periods so your child doesn't rely on tech (and enjoys a full and varied childhood)," she advised, "but don't chastise yourself, or them, for wanting to engage in digital activities - just because you didn't as a child."

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    Another great fear of many parents is the so-called 'developmental milestones'. Or skills, like being able to speak or recognize oneself in the mirror/photo, that your little one should develop by a certain age. "I think first-time parents understandably concern themselves with developmental milestones far more than those with more kids," Broadbent explained, "purely because once you've got a child, you realize children are unique and develop at their own pace."

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    #18

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    milifeasdad Report

    #20

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    missmulrooney Report

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    James016
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was my son a couple of weeks ago. I picked him up and asked him what he did in school that day. He said nothing. We get home and I open his home/school communication book and in there is a headteacher award sticker and a copy of the work he produced to win it.

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    Understandably, many parents can't help but worry that there might be something wrong with their munchkin. In fact, reportedly nearly 1 in 4 parents say they have worried their child was or might be delayed in their milestones. And only 20% of parents didn't worry about it too much. However, Vicki thinks sometimes it's best to let kids take everything at their own pace.

    #21

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    Mamax215 Report

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    Ginger Ghost
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    like the girl who wanted a dead Simba cake so everyone was too sad to eat and she could have it all to herself

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    #23

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    IDontSpeakWhine Report

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    Claire Ferguson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My 4 year old daughter is convinced her middle name is "is a princess" it's Isabel but "I don't go ding ding mummy"

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    "On the whole, growth charts and milestones are a guide, not a rule," she told. "A preoccupation with a child sleeping through the night in his or her cot, for example, can lead to greater stress for the parent when life is hard enough. Yes, keep an eye on these things but don't become obsessed." 

    When you become a parent, many moms and dads can't stress enough the fact that they might be underprepared. And advice from ones who've been in the post long enough to offer you tips to make it easier usually is no help at all. "Every single piece of advice is [terrible] for new parents. In my experience, people just wanted to tell you how it was for them," one VICE columnist wrote. "It’s the 'absolute' people that make me the most angry—like it’s all-natural or all-medical, and no matter what you choose, you’re a [jerk] parent."

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    #27

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    MediocreMamaa Report

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    Heather W
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, man. When my daughter was 3 and had her first radiation appointment (brain cancer. she's 18 now and cancer free yay!) I told daycare she couldn't eat before I picked her up that morning. They found her eating raisins. Which they hadn't served in a while. My child can apparently hunt down food like a pig looking for truffles.

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    Vicki, who's been a mother long enough to know what to suggest for other soon-to-be parents, says that "trusting your gut" is one of the most important things to remember. "This will never fail you and never fear you are wasting a medical professional's time if you are worried for the wellbeing of your child," she explained. "You know your child best. Please remember that. You are wired to understand their needs from day one."

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    #32

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    dadmann_walking Report

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    Zoey Rayne
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It came out in 1988; it was already a decade old when my sister and I watched it as kids. -a millennial

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    #33

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    kindminds_ Report

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    Anya Beboop
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's actually really cute, despite being woken up early. Frustrating, sure.

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    #36

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    itssherifield Report

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    RandomEpiBioPerson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm the USA, a high school kid can't even accidentally knock on the wrong front door of a house, looking for their little brother anyone without getting shot, so having more precautions now makes sense.

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    #43

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    itssherifield Report

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    Feathered Dinosaur
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate it that teeth are considered a luxury, even though they’re part of your body. At least tuition fees (edit: university fees) in Germany are 150€ (about 150usd) per semester- so 300€ for 12 months.

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    #44

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    TheREALMessyMom Report

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    SheDeM
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I once got a ticket for speeding (31 in a 25 LOL) because my 4 y/o and her preschool friend were arguing about whose duckie had the best feather in its back.

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    #49

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    kindminds_ Report

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    Sasy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the dad is testing the child because why on earth would anyone want something to do while sleeping, it could not possibly be his child, he seems far too motivated :)

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    #52

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    UjuAnya Report

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    Dobs Place
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll take that any day over raising one who thinks EVERYONE is interested in them!

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    #55

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    deloisivete Report

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    Heather W
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah, reminds me of the year my Dad got in trouble with Mom. He convinced me Santa would prefer a beer and chips. He didn't think I'd actually put that out lol

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    #56

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    mommajessiec Report

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    Mav Mav
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    by the time she finished, jacket zippers weren't even invented yet!

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    #57

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    MediocreMamaa Report

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    #61

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    MediocreMamaa Report

    #63

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    Chhapiness Report

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    #66

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    sarcasticmommy4 Report

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    Feathered Dinosaur
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thankfully I'm still the one dressing the little chick. I make her look as adorable as I want to as long as it lasts lol

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    #69

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    MediocreMamaa Report

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    Vicki Doggurl
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oops! At least you didn’t wake them up! They were up at 7:15, I’d imagine!

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    #70

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    mom_tho Report

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    Rebelliousslug
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents literally had to wake me up to eat from the first day home from the hospital. I believe in comparison I have been the “easy” kid in the 43+ years since.

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    #73

    Funny-Relatable-Parenting-Tweets-April

    LizerReal Report

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    Vicki Doggurl
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like!! I played D&D monopoly with my parents on New Year’s Eve and my dad and I got into a fight. Lol.

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    #76

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    oneawkwardmom Report

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    #79

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    copymama Report

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    Deborah B
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I'm going to start cleaning in a minute, if you're not busy, you can help me." Is the magical cue for any child to discover that they are, in fact, not bored, but have several things that they need to do right now.

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