30 Spicy Memes That Showcase The Challenging, Yet Hilarious Parts Of Parenting
Interview
It seems that in recent years, especially with the rise of social media, parenting memes have become sort of a popular online phenomenon, providing a humorous take most parents are familiar with when it comes to the joys and challenges of raising children. The said memes seem to resonate with parents because they often depict universally shared experiences, like sleep deprivation, picky eating, and the overall chaotic family life.
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Bored Panda reached out to Trista Frost, a clinical psychologist, the book author of "Parenting Toddlers: A Complete Guide for Raising Disciplined, Happier, and Confident Kids", and well-recognized parenting and relationship expert.
When asked about the impact of parenting memes, Frost said to us, "In my view, parenting memes reflect both the joys and challenges of parenting. They do tend to exaggerate for comedic effect, which can provide a sense of relief and shared understanding. However, it's important to remember that every parenting journey is unique. A meme might provide a chuckle, but it's no substitute for genuine understanding and learning about child development and parenting strategies."
Yesterday I got pulled out of a work meeting (in front of ~80 colleagues) by the police, with my kid... He didn't really do anything, just poking around where he shouldn't be, but still. He Here's hoping this is the first and only time the cops want to talk to me about something my kid has done.
Discussing the role of humor in parenting, the parenting expert stated, "Humor can be a powerful tool in coping with stress. When it comes to parenting memes, they can offer parents a moment of lightness in their day. It's a way of saying, 'Yes, parenting is hard, it's chaotic, but we're all in this together.' However, it's equally important to engage in constructive approaches for stress management and healthy communication with your children, which we cover in detail in the book."
Trista also reflected on the community-building aspect of memes, Frost shared with us a few key details, "These memes do more than just make us laugh; they also help create a sense of community. When parents engage with these memes, it often leads to conversations and shared experiences. It can feel incredibly validating to see that others are facing similar challenges, reminding parents they're not alone in their journey."
Even I feel this. I take care of my special need brother (he's 38) and we don't tell him we're doing something until the day of and at the earliest an hour before.
She also cautioned about the potential risks associated with memes, saying, "There's a fine line between humor and trivializing genuine struggles. While memes are largely harmless, they can sometimes inadvertently contribute to unrealistic parenting expectations, or make light of issues that need serious attention. It's crucial to remember that memes are not parenting advice and should not replace seeking proper help or guidance when needed."
Of course, we couldn't end the interview without any sort of advice for the parents, so here's what Frost recommended, "Enjoy the humor these memes offer. Laugh at them, share them, and use them as ice-breakers in your parenting circles. But also, remember to balance this with an understanding of the complexities of parenting. Your child's behavior isn't always a 'memeable moment'. Be patient, understand their emotions, hone your listening skills, and disarm your triggers as suggested in the book. That's the path to raising disciplined, happier, and confident kids."
Is this how you explain the scene to your friends? 😂 Edit: oh wow! I made a funny!
God, I don't fold laundry - all those tiny little clothes that sometimes don't even get worn for a whole day before getting dirty. Don't iron either. Child protection services haven't come a-knocking yet. The only judgement I get (openly) is from my mother and luckily I'm pretty immune to that after years of training!
Sorry to be the downer. But need to note that this isnt true. Quokkas have pouches they hold their young in (think kangaroo) and when fleeing occasionally they young one will fall out. So this myth spread. Just a small public service note.
My wife: "For fu*ck's sake! I'm burning! Go ask your father!" My son: "Dad, mom said I can eat 4 Twinkies for a snack." My wife (covered in bandages): "Why are there Twinkie wrappers all over the pantry?" My son: "Mom, dad let me eat 8 Twinkies and now I'm sick..." Me: "Why is Jr. sick, why is there trash in the pantry, why do you look like a mummy, and why is everyone so cross with me all the time?"
Yeah, and to all those people who said I would become a "morning person" when I had kids, they were wrong. I still hate mornings but now I have people I have to look after while hating the mornings! However, once I've actually had a moment to land and straighten my head out, I love being with them!
It's an interesting one. My daughter is so like me and it is therapeutic for me because I am helping her to have the childhood I couldn't by guiding her and using appropriate discipline. I frigging adore her, and I try to see that as a way for me to show myself the love I should have had. (Of course I know she is her own person and I would never want her to become just like me!)
"But Dad, I heard you call Mom dirty last night and still did the same thing to her!"
Note: this post originally had 92 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
We are currently on holiday abroad and my son and another kid spent about 2 hours just saying hello to each other as they don’t speak the same language.
I'm a 43 yo woman and every time I think that I don't have children I feel something that can only be described as: a slight euphoria
I'm a 42 year old woman who is a mother and grandmother and I laughed my a*s off at these and shared them with my daughter. I told her how encouraging it is that every parent knows the struggle. Priceless.
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We are currently on holiday abroad and my son and another kid spent about 2 hours just saying hello to each other as they don’t speak the same language.
I'm a 43 yo woman and every time I think that I don't have children I feel something that can only be described as: a slight euphoria
I'm a 42 year old woman who is a mother and grandmother and I laughed my a*s off at these and shared them with my daughter. I told her how encouraging it is that every parent knows the struggle. Priceless.
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