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Becoming a parent is a life changing experience. Suddenly, you are responsible for a whole other human being, and your new full-time job is to give them the best life you can. So you read stacks of books, attend parenting classes and try to soak up as much knowledge as possible to be a great parent. Maybe you even join a few Facebook groups to gain insight from other parents and to be part of a community. It’s nice to have other moms help you find the cutest and most affordable kids clothing without spending hours scouring the internet. Other parents can also provide some support when you just need to vent about the struggles of raising kids. There’s just one thing to be wary of in online parenting groups: they seem to be a breeding ground for crazy people.

Flooded with anti-vax posts and complaints about talentless toddlers, these parenting groups are painfully cringey. The silver lining, however, is that these groups have inspired the hilarious Mom Group Drama subreddit. r/Sh*tMomGroupsSay has 300k members, and shares countless screenshots of ridiculous posts on parenting groups. Their description says they’re “here to judge the ‘No Judge’ culture of the internet mom groups", and we can’t thank them enough for their service. Enjoy this list we’ve compiled of some of the best recent posts, then check out Bored Panda’s previous publications of crazy parenting posts here and here.

More info: Reddit

#1

I Don't Have A Problem With Extended Nursing, But Omg Still Using Months?

I Don't Have A Problem With Extended Nursing, But Omg Still Using Months?

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It’s important for new mothers to feel they have a safe space to ask questions and share their feelings. That place, however, does not need to be an online group. These controversial mommy groups have even sparked discussion from former members who have had enough. In 2020, Chelsy Theriault, creator of the blog Motherhood+Mayhem, published a piece on Filter Free Parents titled “6 Reasons I Hate Mom Facebook Groups”. She explained that at first glance, these groups seemed like a great community to be a part of. Over time, however, she realized that the groups “tended to be a crutch for mothers who either didn’t really want to deal with motherhood issues or didn’t want to (or have the courage or personal strength to) come up with their own solutions to parenting challenges”.

#2

Breastmilk Isn’t Curing Her Son’s Leukaemia

Breastmilk Isn’t Curing Her Son’s Leukaemia

cornflakescornflakes Report

Chelsy went on to say that these Facebook groups invalidate mothering instincts. “It seems that many moms, instead of assessing a situation and formulating their own solution, immediately run to Facebook to seek advice.” Similarly to how Google seems to have killed many peoples’ critical thinking skills, these mothering groups have squashed some parents’ abilities to make decisions. Chelsy recommends that mothers follow their instincts and skip seeking out help for every minor question that pops into their heads. She also adds a bit of advice a good friend gave her following the birth of her daughter to reassure anxious mothers: “If you don’t drop them or sit on them, you’re doing great.”

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#3

I Want To Smack This Parent

I Want To Smack This Parent

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

Oh my god, that's what measles look like?? How can these parents make there kids suffer like that???

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#4

I Feel So Bad For This Poor Boy

I Feel So Bad For This Poor Boy

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The next concerning reason Chelsy cited for disliking these groups is that moms seek medical advice in them, rather than going to a real doctor. “I know of a local mom Facebook group in my area that had to put a stop to mothers posting pictures of their children’s rashes and other visible physical ailments,” she noted. Even pregnant women post asking for health advice for themselves, but it’s unlikely many people in the group are actually medical professionals. And with only a Facebook post describing symptoms to go off of, they probably couldn't be of much help anyway. If you are concerned about your own health or your child’s health, please seek out someone with appropriate credentials. Don't just take the word of Cindy from Ohio who is spending 7 hours a day on Facebook during her maternity leave.

#5

You Can't Even Count On Your Own Parents After You Have A Baby

You Can't Even Count On Your Own Parents After You Have A Baby

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

Imagine having a baby means being responsible for the child? The horror.

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Along the same lines, Chelsy points out that many mothers ask questions that could easily be solved with a quick Google search. “We’re moms. We’re busy. We don’t have time to do the Googling for other moms.” Next she notes her annoyance about posts that begin with “Okay, mamas, let’s talk [enter topic here]”. “Every time a post starts with this statement, all I can picture is some tacky infomercial tempting me to purchase some cheesy product,” Chelsy adds. Just cut to the chase. "For some reason, introducing a post with 'Let’s talk -' seems pushy and impersonal." 

#7

My Friends Are Also Pregnant And I Dont Feel Special. How Dare They Ruin My Experience

My Friends Are Also Pregnant And I Dont Feel Special. How Dare They Ruin My Experience

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

What is she going to feel like once the baby gets more attention than her? Maybe she should grow up THEN have a baby.

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#8

Seems, She Really Does Not Want A Boy...

Seems, She Really Does Not Want A Boy...

TaoTeChing81 Report

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#9

This Might Be The Best-Worst Thing I’ve Ever Seen In Fundie-Crunchy Mom Group Hell

This Might Be The Best-Worst Thing I’ve Ever Seen In Fundie-Crunchy Mom Group Hell

ToasterGuacamoleWrap Report

Next, Chelsy comments on the odd habit some mothers have of displaying their shortcomings to gain pity and attention. She gives an example of a mom asking if she’s the only one who forgets to leave money from the tooth fairy, followed by multiple “haha”s and a face palm emoji. Of course she’s not the only one. Moms are not perfect, and Chelsy empathizes with the pressure mothers often feel. “I think these moms are simply looking for pity or for someone to console them and convince them that they are not a horrid parent. Perhaps they are trying to displace their mom guilt or trying to make light of their mom fails.” “Either way,” Chelsy adds. “It drives me nuts.”

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Lastly, Chelsy points out another popular post style on the page: "Pic for attention!" “This is annoying,” she says. “But at least they’re being honest.”

#10

“My Doctor Says My 9mo Baby Is Normal, But He Clearly Has Bipolar!”

“My Doctor Says My 9mo Baby Is Normal, But He Clearly Has Bipolar!”

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

ALL childeren under 4yo are bi-polar, imo. One minute they're laughing because you sneezed. The next, they turn into a raging demon because you won't let them eat the dog's food.

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#11

Saw This And Just Knew It Belonged Here

Saw This And Just Knew It Belonged Here

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

WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ???? But yeah, keep with the theme, you mutilate animals for a living, so why not mutilate your child as well.

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Luckily for moms everywhere, not every online community is full of infuriating posts and medical misinformation. In 2018, Alexis Barad-Cutler launched Not Safe for Mom Group (or nsfmg) after becoming fed up with the “curated Instagram feeds, filtered momfluencers, and holier-than-thou Facebook mom groups that made her feel worse about her parenting”. "Whenever I would go to my mom groups, it felt like I was having a completely different experience than what my peers were having," Barad-Cutler said in an interview with TODAY. "I was mired in postpartum anxiety, depression and psychosis, and my baby was really colicky. So it just felt like there was a cellophane between me and the rest of the world — like I was living on a different planet."

So she channeled her frustrations into writing. But media outlets were not always on board with publishing articles depicting less than picture-perfect realities of motherhood. “That's where it started — the idea that I couldn't say these things out loud," she said. "I wanted to create a community. I wanted a place for people to go and be able to say the things that they're feeling out loud."

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#13

That’s Not The School’s Problem

That’s Not The School’s Problem

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

Oh dear lord. Have your kid get the boys parents' numbers and call/ text them. Or- give the boy your number to give the parents. Or- Facebook/ social media. It's not that hard.

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#14

5g Did It!

5g Did It!

littlerabbitwhocould Report

#15

Won't Someone Please Think Of The Karma!?

Won't Someone Please Think Of The Karma!?

GreenTeaOnMyDesk Report

Thus, the Not Safe for Mom Group was born. On their website, the group is described as “an online — and IRL— community that welcomes challenging topics around motherhood in a judgment-free setting”. Nsfmg seems like a breath of fresh air compared to the chaotic groups being ridiculed on reddit. Under “who we serve” the site says, “Our community is centered on mothers, those on the journey towards motherhood, those who identify as mothers, the mom-curious, and the folks who support and love moms.” And the reasoning listed for why the site exists is because “tremendous healing can occur when we share our experiences and stories with others. We created this space as a safe haven for messy, uncomfortable dialogue that enables us to to learn and grow from each other."

#16

After This She Asks Which Essential Oils Works For Covid

After This She Asks Which Essential Oils Works For Covid

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#17

F**k You And Your Privacy. I’m Gonna Show 53,000 People Your Picture And Tell Them You Got Your Period Today!

F**k You And Your Privacy. I’m Gonna Show 53,000 People Your Picture And Tell Them You Got Your Period Today!

slippinghalo13 Report

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

1: Don't get her the ultra-thin kind, that's b******t. 2: Pull your head out of your ass and take down the damn post, ya creep

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

There are going to be sooo many annoyed teenagers in future discovering all the stuff their parents have posted. Everyone should be in charge of their own digital identity and parents need to stop using their kids to gain likes.

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

There's a thing called Google, it exists to answer such questions and not publicly humiliate your teen 👍

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

I don't think heartless is the right word. Brainless is more accurate. Especially as a fellow female herself, she should know that answer already. Otherwise, get the variety pack so that she's always prepared. Period flow changes woman!

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

Someone intervene and slap this b***h back to reality . This is not cool .

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

This reminds me of the book Girl (in Real Life) by Tamsin Winter. Her parents completely live their life through the girl and threw her a ‘period party’ for their Instagram followers.

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

OH ... MY....GAWD I feel so humiliated and embarrassed for this girl. I'd be dying. Just find a hole and throw me in it. No need to mark the grave.

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

Fück parents need to not do this to their kids. It’s a huge huge invasion of the kids privacy who I’m sure had no say in this post. This mom better has taken this down

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

Poor kid got her privacy ruined because her parent has to post everything on Facebook.

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

What kind of mother would post that on some social media? All the perverts are gonna ask even more questions now about her daughter-disgusting!

delphinum4 avatar
Zophra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What people will post and do for attention - even at the expense of someone they love.

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

some people should have to go through a test and have a license before they are given acces to the powerful internet. Otherwise, like in traffic, they will end up doing a lot of harm in a very short period of time.

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

My neighbor posted a slo-mo video of her pre-teen daughter running and said “I think it’s time to get her a bra”

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

You should let her take advantage of all the progress that has been made in the area of women's hygiene over the last few years. Don't limit yourself to pads. Look at period underwear for a child this age; SO SIMPLE AND EASY compared to what previous generations had to deal with. Later on make sure she knows there are options like mooncups and let her decide for herself.

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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And yet this will be the same parent who boycotts the movie "Turning Red" because it contains *gasp* depictions of puberty and menstruation.

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

I would be so embarressed if my mom posted something along these lines.

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

I hate when ppl post stuff like this like they can't send a private text to their family and friends asking the same thing.

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

Tampons are better because if she wants to go swimming she can. That aside, how embarrassing for this child to have her mother post this on social media.

sarahbrown_3 avatar
Sarah Brown
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You as a mother and woman who have had years of periods have no idea what the best pads for her would be? Please get off the internet and save your daughter the embarrassment. Some things should not be posted.

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

OMG! How dare you embarrass your 11 year old by invading her privacy like this!!! You're a mean mother!

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

When I was 14 & started my periods my mother wanted to have a party & invite all her friends and neighbours! First time I was assertive & refused her. Insane.

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

Maybe she asked her daughter if it was ok to post first? Why would the girl be ashamed? She may even be proud. I don't get it, why is this an embarrassing thing? We all have bodies. All I can say is- its up to the child to give permission.

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

I highly doubt that the daughter gave her permission, and, for teenagers, getting a period can be a REALLY embarrassing thing to post on facebook!

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

Why is this even a question? Just go to the store and check it out. Better yet, give her a box and let her choose the next one.

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

wow. you can put it right there, uncensored in the damned post title but here, well look at the word here..... F*****s.

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abbysmink avatar
abby smink
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some think tampons are. I personally can't use them anymore without pain. To each their own 🤷🏼‍♀️

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

Okay okay okay. Some things: 1) posting the pic is not a great idea; 2) who can actually see this post, is it in a private group? 3) Period technology has changed A LOT in the last decade. New kinds of pads, period underwear, cups, etc, it's entirely possible this parent doesn't menstruate anymore, or has not tried any of the new stuff and doesn't know about it. Periods are not shameful, asking for crowd sourcing help from other people experiencing it is not shameful.

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While the website has been active since 2018, nsfmg recently began hosting a podcast as well. Episodes feature candid conversations such as “I Begged For Help and No One Listened: Mothering Through Mental Ilness” and “My Ex’s Sinister Secret: A New Mom’s Shocking Discovery”. Barad-Cutler welcomes these difficult topics on her site. “You don't have to preface anything by saying, 'I love my baby' — it is assumed that you love your child," she explains. "We invite you to curse — we love a good curse word. We welcome a difference of opinion, and we encourage people to use language like 'folks' or 'friends' — not heteronormative language, because we know that not everyone is married or cisgender."

#19

Looking For Preschooler Appropriate Energy Drinks

Looking For Preschooler Appropriate Energy Drinks

bluegenes71 Report

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

Several cups of strong black coffee is the more natural, organic stimulant of choice for toddlers.

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#21

It’s Gross Karen. I’m Also Pretty Certain It’s Illegal To Feed Unsuspecting People Your Bodily Fluids

It’s Gross Karen. I’m Also Pretty Certain It’s Illegal To Feed Unsuspecting People Your Bodily Fluids

hilltophermit Report

In addition to the podcast, nsfmg’s website also includes a blog, resources for parents struggling with mental health issues or abusive relationships, virtual talking circles “for support in this sh*t-storm”, the opportunity to book private sessions with Barad-Cutler, and a shop (which features a tee shirt proudly saying “NO MORE MOTHERFU*KING MOM GROUPS).

For the ‘anti-mom group’ moms out there, nsfmg seems like an excellent alternative to the run-of-the-mill Facebook groups. 

#22

Two Opposing Cleaning Strategies

Two Opposing Cleaning Strategies

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

Not the worse thing she has had in her mouth? Is she referring to her husband there?

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#23

It Sounds Like You’ve Got A Pretty Smart Kid

It Sounds Like You’ve Got A Pretty Smart Kid

Domkaplanry Report

#24

Comments Are Filled With Moms Saying That Hygiene Is Non-Negotiable As This Will Lead To Health Problems

Comments Are Filled With Moms Saying That Hygiene Is Non-Negotiable As This Will Lead To Health Problems

Fancy_Name_for_Cook Report

Another resource for moms interested in critiquing online mommy culture is the podcast "Under the Influence", hosted by journalist and mother Jo Piazza. "Under the Influence" is described as “a deep dive into the Mom Internet, a place haunted by aspirational marketing where it feels like every other mom is a social media influencer trying to sell you something… Jo Piazza looks at how we got here, what it all means and how the commodification of motherhood is driving mothers a little insane.”

On the topic of mommy blogging, Piazza told TODAY, "It's a multi-billion dollar industry that gets ignored because women are doing it and it's a 'mom thing'. But they're building these huge platforms and I say it all the time: If they were men, they'd be on the cover of Forbes because they're building mini media empires."

#25

Woman Suggests Wrapping An Onion Around A Child's Ear Because It'll "Pull Out" The Infection, Just Like Tears!

Woman Suggests Wrapping An Onion Around A Child's Ear Because It'll "Pull Out" The Infection, Just Like Tears!

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

Wait. Onions PULL your tears out of your body? Can onions pull liquids out of other body parts? Asking for a friend.

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#26

Only Boys Are Supposed To Have Disgusting Habits?

Only Boys Are Supposed To Have Disgusting Habits?

lil_puddles Report

#27

This Is What The Admins To Mom Groups Drive

This Is What The Admins To Mom Groups Drive

BezosGapingAsshole Report

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

Well, this isn't horrible...except for the "co-sleeping" part. Scarier to me is what kind of person feels the need to advertise their parenting style on the rear window of their vehicle? NO ONE CARES!!!!

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Despite how much wisdom raising children can bring, being a mother does not automatically make someone an authority on health, wellness or even parenting. Be cautious of what overbearing mothers are posting in online groups, and find a community where you actually feel safe to express your parenting concerns. But if no online group makes you feel at home or you’re simply not a parent, you might as well get a laugh out of the Mom Group Drama subreddit. We certainly did.

Be sure to upvote the photos you find most egregious and let us know in the comments if you've ever witnessed questionable parenting posts online!     

#28

What The Krap?!

What The Krap?!

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

How about "K,somymom'skindacrazyandshedoesn'treallycareifnoonecanspellournamesbecausesheneedslikesonFacebook"? Also, Loki is a Norse God

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#29

How Old?!

How Old?!

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

Actually, this might not be as odd as some people seem to think. Having your baby's hips checked soon after birth is standard hospital care where I live (but by a medical professional!) and neck misalignment can be quite commen if there were issues during the birth, as was the case with mine (suction). Again, this should all be done by a medical professional, but it can be an important check-up to have done.

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#30

I Can Weaponize Your Toddler, Dm?

I Can Weaponize Your Toddler, Dm?

Shes_fair Report

Note: this post originally had 125 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.