According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, about one in four married or cohabiting parents feel judged by people they interact with on online groups, with 7% claiming they experience this always or very often.
And the subreddit 'Insane Parents' is probably responsible for a fair share of the pie. However, once you scroll through this internet community, it becomes hard to blame them.
There's no shortage of moms posting their anti-vaxxer rants on Facebook and overprotective dads who want to forbid their kids from dating for as long as they're alive. So someone has to call them out before they convince anyone that such behavior is acceptable, right?
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Dumped For Having Red Hair
Ha, I love it! Not to mention I love ginger hair, wtf are people still treating it like some witches trait?
Parents That Make Fun Of The Hobbies Of His Kids Are Trash
A problem that 'Insane Parents' members face is that they are sometimes accused of faking their posts.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the sub is that the stories told rely on screenshots (often text messages between parent and child).
This leads to a strange dynamic where posters not only have to "prove" their experiences, but their struggles are also gamified into small, digestible pieces, the most surprising of which get upvoted.
I'm 25, I Have Schizophrenia, And Have Zero Support From My Mom
Another Found In R/S**tmomgroupssay …
Dressing your baby in designer brands tells me you're most likely an idiot. Seriously...
I Think We Should Make Leashes Mandatory For Everyone Under 15!
Sometimes a leash is better than your suicidal toddler, running in front of cars, the moment you take your eyes off them to blink.
Speaking to VICE over Reddit messages, the moderators of 'Insane Parents' said the high number of screenshots is simply a consequence of the fact that a lot of communication now takes place via text
"As such, there is more opportunity to display insane parenthood with a screenshot," they explained. "It's the easiest thing to post."
I Synced My Calendar With My Mum And Forgot I Have My Birth Control Implant Replacement Date Marked 3 Years From Now. She Saw It And Texted Me This While I Was At Work. I’m 20
My Friend Hasn't Spoken To His Mother In Months. She Finds Out He's Living With His Girlfriend. He Also Shares Some Exciting News
On A Post About Another Parent Selling Her Kid's TV Because She "Can't Act Right"
Stop expecting children to know how to clean up their stuff. You have to TEACH AND GUIDE THEM. That’s your whole job.
My Parents Did Not Like Me Going Out To Get A Vaccine. Came Back To This
Despite a few negative messages from trolls and the occasional request to prove the screenshots weren't faked, many users think the subreddit is incredibly understanding, with most people helping to validate their feelings.
"Our sub is first and foremost a support sub," the moderators said.
They believe the community is a place where teenagers can come and "know that the abuse they've suffered is not a normal experience".
Who Goes To Disney World Just To Make Their Kid’s Life Miserable
Wtf Is Wrong With People
This Woman Constantly Photoshops Her Daughter’s Body To Look Like This. She’s E I G H T
My Father Tracking Me While I’m On A Date
Reminds of that episode from Hogan knows best when he tracked his daughter Brooke’s date
The good news is that when KidsHealth.org and TIME for Kids surveyed over 9,000 kids ages 8 to 14, 67% said they get along well, or pretty well, with their parents. And that's not all. 85% of them said they have fun with their parents, and 79% said they feel close to their parents.
(15f) Parents Took My Antidepressants Because I Slept Through My Alarms... I Don't Even Know What To Do Anymore
To stop taking antidepressants just like that has serious side effects, like making the persons try to kill themselves! Source: I'm a medical doctor, worked 5 years as a psychiatrist
My Mom's Response When I Came Out To Her. Haven’t Talked To Them For Two Weeks Now
I think I have to stop reading this soon, I'm growing more enraged by the second. 👿
I Took My Clothes Off While I Was In The Shower And After I Came Out, I Saw That My Father Had Went Into My Room And Taken A Picture Of My Panties And Sent It To My Mother Without My Consent. I'm 20. I Can Clean Up After Myself. I Did It Immediately As I Stepped Out Of The Shower. Wtf
My Mum Is Abusing Our Brand New Security System
I hope these 'parents' all rot in the worst nursing home when they're old, alone and forgotten
Furthermore, even if children get into an argument with a parent, it's not like they immediately mess up their relationship. Most kids — more than 60% — said they usually take a little time and eventually things go back to normal. Some kids said that they make up quickly (28% of younger kids and 18% of older kids.)
It’s great if you can forgive (and be forgiven) quickly and settle things within the family and without the need to search for support on the internet.
And Boomers Wonder Why Their Kids Don't Like Them
That's what they'll do when they turn 18 and never talk to you again.
Child Endangerment Is So Quirky
Wow. Endangering your own baby by not fastening the seat right and driving like a crazy aṣshole, then posting it. *slow clapping*
Parents Starve 6 Year Old To Death By Keeping Him Inside A Closet For A Month
This. Just... This
My Parents To A Tee
Probably same for when she sees a disabled, or gay person or a person of color.
Mom Just Asked Me For 600$ When I Work A Minimum Wage Job Then Tells Me To Stop Spending ???
She’s Literally Killing Her Son. This Page Is Full Of Insane Parents Thinking They Know More Than The Doctors
As a medical doctor I'd like to slap this bîtch silly. Then save the little boy's live.
Mother Impersonated Me To Bofa To Remove $1500 From My Account Of My Awarded Scholarship Money As Punishment For Her Ex Husband Not Paying For Her Vacation
Jesus Christ
That's right lady, make him keep all that hurt and anger bottled up for years and years until it all comes out explosively...
The Sheer Nerve Of Not Wanting To Die An Early, Preventable Death! Disgusting
Surprise: they will have a flower girl AND ring bearer, it just won't be you!
It Sure Is A Mystery
Like all the times I've been asked to house sit for the duration of my mom's family vacation? Like WTF? I hadn't been invited ONCE until I'd said no and brought up the fact I have never been invited to the FAMILY vacation. Now, she doesn't ask me to house sit anymore and I've still only been invited that once. JFC.
I Guess Some People Never Learn That Their Kids Are Separate People Who Deserve Autonomy Smh
I Thought I Found An Airtight Escape From My Abusive Family In The Form Of A Great Job On The Opposite Coast. Guess Not. Ploy #397866 To Keep Me From Leaving: Unannounced Vacation That Conveniently Starts On The Same Day As My Job!
Potato Panda: I bought you tickets from Amsterdam to Rome for the next Monday. I don't care if you have work or if Amsterdam is half a world away. You will get on that plane and pay me for the tickets. /jk
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Love that she has her under "egg donor". Tells you all you need to know about the toxicity of that mother's love.
Yup, noticed that too. I call my mom's husband the "sperm donor." He was all about how everything had to be earned. Well he was never a dad to me growing up, so he's not earned that title.
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Often, I think people online are a little quick to say 'go no contact', but today I'm.gonna say it. Do NOT pay for the trip, do not go on the trip. Get the hell out.
And warn your new employer that some unhinged person might try to contact them...
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She needs a vacation for her anxiety? Uh, no she needs to move to Seattle forever and never speak to you again. Anxiety solved.
This just gave me anxiety reading it as it made me so angry. This whole post this!
IMMEDIATELY call / text / email/ carrier pigeon / smoke signal /- whatever it takes - your recruiter and potential boss and HR at that new job and tell them to ignore anything any crazy lady tells them about your start date. Assure them that you will be there on the previously agreed upon date. Leave for Seattle NOW and once there change your phone # and cut contact with this person.
reminds me of my mum, complaining to all her friends the I never visit then ripping in to me, getting drunk and insulting everyone, slagging of all her "friends" never had a kind word for anyone.
The idea of any time spent with this person being described as “relaxing” or helpful for “recharging” is beyond ludicrous.
'Orphans would give up anything to have a chance to go on a trip with their mother' Good idea, I'm sure arranging an orphan status is very definitely possible
I think she needs a vacation from her anxiety's source. That woman is delusional!! How in the forking fork she considers herself a loving mother??
Call your new job immediately and inform them that your mother is under psychiatric care and heavily medicated.
So confused. Why does this change op's plan to move? Just do what you're doing and keep your plan. If you can't do that perhaps you aren't ready to move across the country.
I feel like the fact that they have to pay for their OWN ticket that their MOM bought without their consent is what really makes this bad.
That "m****r" needs a big, cold glass of Shut the F**k Up! I finally had to move back to Virginia two years ago to escape the claws of my narsaccistic, controlling m****r! I haven't talked to her in 3 years and I can finally breathe. BTW......I'm 61! Bwahahahahahaha 🤣🤣🤬🤬
I can teach you and send you links to help with fighting back, abuse hotlines, and going to court to leave custody and live on your own, I support you all the way through!
A friend of mine lost her temporary job this way. Because her mother made her go on a vacation, just when she were about to take some courses, that would make her more interesting for her workplace.
Just say no. You've graduated, got a job, moving across country, they'll get used to it.
Dear God- call the company and tell them to ignore the crazy lady that calls them, then NEVER tell her your new address!
I will live much longer without my loving mother. The further I get away from her the happier I will be. I will go ahead and call that recruiter and say crazy b**** coming.
Wouldn't you just ring the job and say, "hey, I have an abusive mum, and she's gonna try to call you saying I'm not starting. It's not true. Ignore her. Here's her number so you can block it"?
I'd copy that last text, replace "family" with "employment," and "loving mother" with "child," and send it right back at her.
I'm really wishing that my computer keyboard had "F**K" and "YOU' buttons on it after reading all of these. Good lord.
run from that mom.... run quick and run far!!!! Don't ever look back!!!
Another toxic parent! Leave, and do not look back! It's not worth it! Trust me!
You Aren't Stressing Hard Enough To Put Your Kid In An Actual School Though
This Mom "Playing Chicken" With Her Kids And An Suv
Reading all these stories, I'm just shaking my head in disbelief. I'm so thankful I have a loving normal family.
'ethnic Stench'
Stop Talking About Your Children’s Genitalia, You Weird Bastard
Imagine Encouraging Or Even Allowing Your Children To Dress Up Like This On Halloween
My Mother, After She Kicked Me Out When She Found Letters My Girlfriend Wrote For Me (We're Both Girls)
Oh yes, the cups. The cups for you. The cups called especially to arrest you. Your cups.
Sending Her Daughter Away To A Church For A Year Because She Wants A College Education
Twitter User Finds Their Dad Has Been Using A Tracker To Track Them After They Had Moved Out Of Their (Abusive) Household
Is She Overburdening Her?
Wtf does a nursery student need tution for? All she has to do is learn colours, alphabets etc, not algebraic expressions or Shakespheare!
I Remembered This And Thought It Would Fit Here
Let's Hope He Didn't Get His PC With His Own Savings
Poor kid, can't even escape his horrid reality for a while. I hope he has family support.
Imagine Being Grounded For Being Considerate
Again, child protective services. It's their choice whether they want to wear a mask
(In University) Parents Track My Location And Knows I Didn’t Go To Class (Because I Had Already Turned In The Project We Were Working On And Didn’t Need To Work In Studio)
What??
I’m Going To An Iron Maiden Concert. I’m Also Almost 30
This new music is corrupting our children! Wait, these 80s kids are just boring and quite ordinary adults now? Who would have thought
I’m Sorry But That’s Pathetic
The snarky a*****e side of me wants to say "Oh, so you'd prefer your son bring home a white BOY?" ...But of course a mom like this wouldn't support their son if he wasn't straight.
I'm On A School Trip... On My Way To The School
"Mommy Moment"
I’m The Only Kid In The Family Who Didn’t Become A Doctor. My Mom Forced My Dad To Post For My Graduation Since He Always Brags About My Doctor And Dentist Siblings. This Is What I Got Lol
Gotta Love My Homophobic Dad. I Wasn't Even Intentionally Making An Lgbtq+ Design, Lol. Just Wanted A Rainbow
Beware the Rainbow Mafia! They come at you with glitter and fabulousness
Note: this post originally had 74 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
I was on the brink of a panic attack partway through this list and had to leave. Made me relive my childhood :(
Some people should never become parents. In fact, procreation should be made illegal in their cases. Smh...
You should have to have a license to have a child.
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This list has reminded me that while my parents are far from perfect, they are absolutely wonderful and I'm lucky to have them.
Same!! They may have been unreasonable and pissed me off many, many times, but I know that I matter to them and they love me.
Load More Replies... This post was so triggering. I can't believe so many kids have this kind of life. So many parents are so incredibly evil. I thought there were better support systems in place for abused children now, wtf.
Sure, if the kid is *believed*. The default is "but the kid's lying, the adult says so" unless there's clear physical harm. (And clear physical harm where I live is sometimes apparently "bone sticking out"). Basically, nobody should be allowed to parent without first passing psych screenings.
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I couldn't go through, it's the most depressing thing I ever read. I wish all of those kids are ok went NC
This thread caused me to experience considerable anxiety. I did end up with one of my daughter's friends on my sofa. She was escaping her toxic family. In the end the Police and Social Services became involved, and she ended up living with us. I desperately hope that many of the young people captured here escaped too.
WTH????!!! This should not have been posted at all. BP will block words like d*ck, but put up this horrific, triggering post?!! I come here for a quick escape to lighten my day. If I wanted to read schit like this I'll go to regular news outlets. Shame on you BP.
Remember when this site was about cute animals and funny stories?
Load More Replies... I've long held the belief that both heaven and hell are comforting concepts. Heaven for obvious reasons, and hell because no earthly punishment seems sufficient for some people.
I was abused by several people. But my I was talking to my therapist about my main perpetrator one day. She said something to the effect that he was going to Hell. She's Jewish. So it made me really happy she was willing to believe in hell for a moment. I tried to make some excuse for him and she said "I don't care. That doesn't give him the right to make someone else's life s**t!" Ah! I love that woman!
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And these parents are shocked when their kids turn 18 and go full no-contact.
This whole thread displays predominantly American parenting. It also demonstrates how sick our country is. I worry that these kids will parent their kids like this instead of move away and break ties. These are largely absolutely disgusting parents.
Believe me, Russian parenting is no better. More physically violent, in fact.
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I think there are a group of people here who are here just to downvote. I've seen it happen on so many normal comments. It's not even funny anymore. Anyway, I'm glad the pill helped you with your heavy menstrual cycle! I luckily only had that for a few years before it lessened. It really is crippling.
I think sometimes it's accidental. I've accidentally downvoted when scrolling. I'm guessing that there have been times I haven't caught it
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These posts all make me wish I had been stronger and stood up to my horrible parents. I should have left the minute I turned 18.
You did what you could when you could. Looking back always makes us think "Why this, why that", but living in an abusive situation does things to your mind, especially if you're a girl. Don't doubt anything you did to get where you are now, you did what you could when you finally trusted your idea of the future and what would happen... I hope you're doing okay or at least better now. Take care!
Load More Replies... I've never felt such a stronger urge to go out and create as many orphans as I have after reading this page
Makes me so damn glad I got tf out when I did. Brrr some of those people do not deserve kids
Many of those egg- and sperm donors actually only have one problem... that is the fact that they are still breathing. I hope all those kids, young als older, get/got the help they needed or could get out.
Posts like this make me appreciate that my parents have been supportive, selfless and awesome all of my life. I'm in my 50's now and they'll both be turning 82 this year. The fact that I will have to say goodbye to them in a relatively foreseeable future breaks my heart. The ONLY upside of having s****y parents like these prime examples in the post above is that you won't have to deal with the pain of losing them eventually I guess.
Don't read this. There are entries about abuse and death in here. Don't open this.
Wow, couldn't even finish this list. These... people are a very good argument for mandatory training (at least) and even licensing before you're allowed to have a child. The idea that you're just the boss of your children and they should just follow your every order, with no love or even affection involved is so alien to me! I'm thoroughly disgusted.
I really hope most of the parents on this list get estranged because they don't deserve to have loving children or to be taken care of in their old age by their children.
I would normally say give parents a break, but these are awful! I hope these people ended up okay after these experiences.
And so the cheapest, nastiest nursing home in town continued to stay in business for another ten years.
Oh.Joy. What a fun way to relive my horrible childhood. My mother was an alcoholic, prescription drug addict with Munchausen's by proxy. My elder sister and I are still suffering from her lack of care when we were sick as children while she waited for us to become sick enough so that SHE could get attention from the doctors and staff. I had pneumonia multiple times and my sister went partially deaf from ear infections. Ironically, we were military dependents so we could go to the infirmary, anytime, with no charges for care or medication.
Somebody needs to tell the Iron Maiden hating mama that the song isn't what she thinks it's about- in fact the opposite. While I'm at it the drummer is a born again christian.
Well, that was depressing. Some people should not be parents. I only hope that their children leave them to it as soon as they're old enough because no one should have to live with these utter sh!tstains for parents.
I remember when my cousin was in college and her roommate was on the phone talking to her mother. The roommates mom was yelling at her and saying she was ugly and worthless and so many other horrible things 😠. My cousin was so upset she called her own mom crying and apologized for all the times she acted up and told my aunt(her mom) what a wonderful mother she was.
Faith in humanity fading... fading... RISING!... fading... fading... gone.
This is how you end up old and alone in a sh*tty old people's home with no one visiting you. And you deserve it.
just reading all of this makes me want to vomit. no wonder everyone is insecure…kind of makes me more insecure… (edit: i feel so sorry for all the kids, hope ur doing well❤️)
I have been reading Panda for years and this is the first time I couldn’t stomach reading the whole thing. I wanna hug my mom and dad so bad right now, while they were/are not perfect this bull makes me appreciate their particular brand of crazy so much more!!!
Raise your hand if you feel imposter syndrome pretending to grieve because the evil parent died.
Nope. Mines not even dead yet. But no contact since 2008. Mom's very sick. Totally do not care! Every time I think of her all I feel is relief that I'm not in that house anymore. It actually makes me kind of happy she isn't privileged enough to have a relationship with me. She didn't earn it. And I'm so good with that. Love that I'm free!
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I was on the brink of a panic attack partway through this list and had to leave. Made me relive my childhood :(
Some people should never become parents. In fact, procreation should be made illegal in their cases. Smh...
You should have to have a license to have a child.
Load More Replies... This list has reminded me that while my parents are far from perfect, they are absolutely wonderful and I'm lucky to have them.
Same!! They may have been unreasonable and pissed me off many, many times, but I know that I matter to them and they love me.
Load More Replies... This post was so triggering. I can't believe so many kids have this kind of life. So many parents are so incredibly evil. I thought there were better support systems in place for abused children now, wtf.
Sure, if the kid is *believed*. The default is "but the kid's lying, the adult says so" unless there's clear physical harm. (And clear physical harm where I live is sometimes apparently "bone sticking out"). Basically, nobody should be allowed to parent without first passing psych screenings.
Load More Replies... I couldn't go through, it's the most depressing thing I ever read. I wish all of those kids are ok went NC
This thread caused me to experience considerable anxiety. I did end up with one of my daughter's friends on my sofa. She was escaping her toxic family. In the end the Police and Social Services became involved, and she ended up living with us. I desperately hope that many of the young people captured here escaped too.
WTH????!!! This should not have been posted at all. BP will block words like d*ck, but put up this horrific, triggering post?!! I come here for a quick escape to lighten my day. If I wanted to read schit like this I'll go to regular news outlets. Shame on you BP.
Remember when this site was about cute animals and funny stories?
Load More Replies... I've long held the belief that both heaven and hell are comforting concepts. Heaven for obvious reasons, and hell because no earthly punishment seems sufficient for some people.
I was abused by several people. But my I was talking to my therapist about my main perpetrator one day. She said something to the effect that he was going to Hell. She's Jewish. So it made me really happy she was willing to believe in hell for a moment. I tried to make some excuse for him and she said "I don't care. That doesn't give him the right to make someone else's life s**t!" Ah! I love that woman!
Load More Replies... And these parents are shocked when their kids turn 18 and go full no-contact.
This whole thread displays predominantly American parenting. It also demonstrates how sick our country is. I worry that these kids will parent their kids like this instead of move away and break ties. These are largely absolutely disgusting parents.
Believe me, Russian parenting is no better. More physically violent, in fact.
Load More Replies... I think there are a group of people here who are here just to downvote. I've seen it happen on so many normal comments. It's not even funny anymore. Anyway, I'm glad the pill helped you with your heavy menstrual cycle! I luckily only had that for a few years before it lessened. It really is crippling.
I think sometimes it's accidental. I've accidentally downvoted when scrolling. I'm guessing that there have been times I haven't caught it
Load More Replies... These posts all make me wish I had been stronger and stood up to my horrible parents. I should have left the minute I turned 18.
You did what you could when you could. Looking back always makes us think "Why this, why that", but living in an abusive situation does things to your mind, especially if you're a girl. Don't doubt anything you did to get where you are now, you did what you could when you finally trusted your idea of the future and what would happen... I hope you're doing okay or at least better now. Take care!
Load More Replies... I've never felt such a stronger urge to go out and create as many orphans as I have after reading this page
Makes me so damn glad I got tf out when I did. Brrr some of those people do not deserve kids
Many of those egg- and sperm donors actually only have one problem... that is the fact that they are still breathing. I hope all those kids, young als older, get/got the help they needed or could get out.
Posts like this make me appreciate that my parents have been supportive, selfless and awesome all of my life. I'm in my 50's now and they'll both be turning 82 this year. The fact that I will have to say goodbye to them in a relatively foreseeable future breaks my heart. The ONLY upside of having s****y parents like these prime examples in the post above is that you won't have to deal with the pain of losing them eventually I guess.
Don't read this. There are entries about abuse and death in here. Don't open this.
Wow, couldn't even finish this list. These... people are a very good argument for mandatory training (at least) and even licensing before you're allowed to have a child. The idea that you're just the boss of your children and they should just follow your every order, with no love or even affection involved is so alien to me! I'm thoroughly disgusted.
I really hope most of the parents on this list get estranged because they don't deserve to have loving children or to be taken care of in their old age by their children.
I would normally say give parents a break, but these are awful! I hope these people ended up okay after these experiences.
And so the cheapest, nastiest nursing home in town continued to stay in business for another ten years.
Oh.Joy. What a fun way to relive my horrible childhood. My mother was an alcoholic, prescription drug addict with Munchausen's by proxy. My elder sister and I are still suffering from her lack of care when we were sick as children while she waited for us to become sick enough so that SHE could get attention from the doctors and staff. I had pneumonia multiple times and my sister went partially deaf from ear infections. Ironically, we were military dependents so we could go to the infirmary, anytime, with no charges for care or medication.
Somebody needs to tell the Iron Maiden hating mama that the song isn't what she thinks it's about- in fact the opposite. While I'm at it the drummer is a born again christian.
Well, that was depressing. Some people should not be parents. I only hope that their children leave them to it as soon as they're old enough because no one should have to live with these utter sh!tstains for parents.
I remember when my cousin was in college and her roommate was on the phone talking to her mother. The roommates mom was yelling at her and saying she was ugly and worthless and so many other horrible things 😠. My cousin was so upset she called her own mom crying and apologized for all the times she acted up and told my aunt(her mom) what a wonderful mother she was.
Faith in humanity fading... fading... RISING!... fading... fading... gone.
This is how you end up old and alone in a sh*tty old people's home with no one visiting you. And you deserve it.
just reading all of this makes me want to vomit. no wonder everyone is insecure…kind of makes me more insecure… (edit: i feel so sorry for all the kids, hope ur doing well❤️)
I have been reading Panda for years and this is the first time I couldn’t stomach reading the whole thing. I wanna hug my mom and dad so bad right now, while they were/are not perfect this bull makes me appreciate their particular brand of crazy so much more!!!
Raise your hand if you feel imposter syndrome pretending to grieve because the evil parent died.
Nope. Mines not even dead yet. But no contact since 2008. Mom's very sick. Totally do not care! Every time I think of her all I feel is relief that I'm not in that house anymore. It actually makes me kind of happy she isn't privileged enough to have a relationship with me. She didn't earn it. And I'm so good with that. Love that I'm free!
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