Parenthood comes with its fair share of surprises and struggles. It’s a constant balance between wondering if you’re doing the right thing and keeping up with your kids’ ever-changing needs while searching for a moment of peace and quiet.
It’s a sleep-deprived but beautiful journey; sometimes, you just need a reminder that you’re not alone. Do you need some words of encouragement or a good laugh? This One Awkward Mom Instagram page shares witty, relatable mom memes that capture raising kids’ ups and downs.
Scroll down to check them out, and don’t forget to read our chat with “Worn out Working Mum” Laura!
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Bored Panda got in touch with Elisabeth, the creative mind behind ‘One Awkward Mom’. She launched the meme page three years ago and has grown it to 130,000 followers.
“I’ve met so many people through the Instagram parenting community, made friends, and even met a few in person,” she told us.
That’s no longer guaranteed with men’s pants. It’s become more like: “Your waist is 40 inches, so you’re probably going to need a 42 or even a 44, because we cut these pants for millennials who want the super-skinny jeans. Oh, and if your inseam is less than 30 inches, you’re going to have to hem them, because we can’t be bothered to offer shorter than that. Even custom.”
As a mom of three, Elisabeth takes inspiration from real life, “I have a note in my phone full of daily experiences, conversations and incidents that I can pull from to make content.”
Through ‘One Awkward Mom’, she likes to shed light on all the hard and chaotic moments, making them feel more manageable. “The amount of comments I get from people saying ‘that never happened’ always makes me laugh because I would never have believed [this] either until I had kids.”
Speaking of tough times, research shows that almost 60% of parents across the US are experiencing burnout caused by pressure to be the perfect carer for their children.
Laura, the creator of ‘Worn out Working Mum’ on Instagram and TikTok, who also documents her journey online with honest, unfiltered stories, agrees that those who do not are a rare breed. “If you find [one], we need to capture and study them,” she told Bored Panda.
Laura became a mom for the first time in 2018 after suffering through a series of miscarriages. Because of this, she felt like she owed the world a debt for giving her the child she’d always dreamed of. Grateful, she didn’t want to complain about any struggles, which made the whole experience as a mom isolating.
Because then you'd also have to deal with that same doctor telling you you're dying of hysteria because your wandering uterus got stuck somewhere under your right shoulderblade and prescribing you a course of leeches.
A year after having her second child and returning to work, Laura got overwhelmed. Juggling a job and parenting was challenging, friends were hard to come by, and she was often sick. In a move entirely out of character, Laura filmed a video of herself ranting about bridging childcare over the school holidays and uploaded it to social media.
This exists!! Pasta Grannies - 90 year old Italian Nonnas making pasta and food from scratch... its hypnotic and awe inspiring
Pretty sure that's my gram in the pic, or atleast a long lost twin. Miss you gram Artie.
When you sign in to YouTube under my credentials, this is pretty much your entire "recommended" list (with some added horror movies and Raven Reads for good measure).
Check out survivorlibrary.com to learn some of these old skills — I’ve learned a lot from there!
Every kid needs to learn to cook before being let out on their own to live.
Nobody ever showed me nothin' I was just told to do things, never shown how.
Because we know how to do these things without pouting our botox and looking sideways
I mean, you could just do that on OnlyFans. There's no rule about content having to be sexual.
you can actually still do this in OnlyFans! the app has just been COVERED in the idea it's only used for sexual purposes, and it's NOT! there's SO many music artists who have OnlyFans as a way to bring exclusive and fun content to premium paying subscribers!! if someone actually does this and promotes it, it could actually become something
WOW...wish I had a stove like that...and a piece of chocolate cake too.
Once the camera is off these influences, then Amanda and Chad are sat in a corner of the inch of tidy house drinking tequila, rocking back and forth hoping little Chad Jn will sleep. Scream Chad jnr,,scream with all your might
The ‘Worn Out Working Mum’ knows there’s no universal fix for burnout, but a few things make a difference for her. Laura believes spending time outside, like going for a walk, really lifts her spirits. Prioritizing sleep is her golden rule—leave the mess and seize the moment to rest when your children are asleep. If you're caring for a sick child, don’t apologize. Instead, say things like, “Thank you for bearing with me” or “Thanks for your patience”.
Many parents can’t shake off the fear of being judged. As difficult as it may be, Laura advises to ignore other people’s opinions and let them be. She encourages: “From posting that slightly manic video of yourself on social media, asking another mom to have a coffee with you, or letting your child primarily eat one food group for several weeks straight, write your own story, not someone else’s”.
Sometimes taking care of your own emotional needs can feel like a job, but it’s important not to be too hard on yourself. After all, parents that show themselves kindness and compassion, rather than being overly critical, tend to be more confident and less prone to parental depression.
Or there are two people who can’t relax when they see dishes in the sink but also don’t do them and they marry each other. And then they both get diagnosed with ADHD.
Another great way to give yourself a little me time and unwind is, of course, with a bit of humor. Memes are perfect for this because you can just switch off your brain for a little while and let out some of that pent-up frustration with a laugh or two. Restoring your energy is key after you’ve spent it all explaining to your children that they do, in fact, need to brush their teeth twice a day.
Sex Ed just doesn't exist in Middle school's anymore. Don't know what it'll be like in HS but it's terrifying to see children, m or f or n who just have no idea what a uterus is or what Chlamydia is
Laughter is often called the best medicine, and there seems to be some truth to this phrase. Multiple studies have shown that humor has plenty of health benefits. It can help reduce physical pain, enhance memory, and promote better sleep. Moreover, laughing can also reduce your stress levels by lowering cortisol, a major stress hormone, and boost our overall immunity.
That must be a new record. They could be in Guinness world records for fastest time to get down the stairs with a toddler!!
Humor is also a fantastic way of building connections. Whether it’s sharing a meme or telling a funny story, these simple acts can bring us closer to our friends and co-workers.
Even when you have a tricky conversation with your child or a disagreement with your partner, humor can transform the discussion into a lighthearted and positive one. There’s no need for unnecessary tension when you can break through the ice with some wholesome laughs.
One thing’s for sure: parenting is more enjoyable when we have the time to joke around and not take ourselves too seriously. Without memes, it would be much harder to find those little bursts of joy that help us stay sane in the chaos.
Ohhhh no. I've never been and refuse to go there. Their uniforms are trashy and the way they are treated is ridiculous. I worked at a fast food restaurant years ago and 3 4 state troopers came in. Well 1 of them though he was being cute and grabbed my hand when I gave him his change. I had his drink in the other hand. I told him to let go of me twice. He was gonna be wearing that drink when 1 of the other troopers told him he should let go.
Because I wanted a shower and your to busy to watch the baby for 20 minutes so baby gets to watch me shower
I understand this, my grandson absolutely CANNOT wear a shirt with stripes or collars.
And?? Did he reply with “me neither” or “womp womp. btw do you want to join the rewards program?”?
Some random new parent’s funeral: In loving memory of this parent, who lost their life trying to give their child the wrong cup
In my experience, it's not the kids that made it no fun, it was my spouse 😭 * edit, ex-spouse lol
But she could suddenly see the camouflaged sniper position 1.5 kilometres away.
Yes. Uber cancelled my Friday night take out order last night but only after all the other viable options were closed. I’m still welling up thinking about it.
“Yes we are. We are sleeping. Sleep is very special and important and rare.”
Tupperware? You mean that plastic thing the meat came in you refuse to recycle until it breaks. Plus you can’t afford more of that expensive meat, your still on leftovers so you have to have it!
I have the same shirt! Warm water, line dry, no need to iron. You're welcome.
Love the home alone movies. Just saw a couple of days ago that the house is for sale.
my get ready with my video would include of “first i force myself out of bed… half an hour late, yanked out half my head of hair, then put on the most homeless looking outfit before going back to bed”
I'm watching the kids scream. Looks like you forgot to rinse all the shampoo out
Whatever happened to politely covering your mouth? Or isn't your hand big enough?
According to Wikipedia, Lorelai Gilmore was born April 25, 1968. So I will forever be six months younger.
I continue to be happy that I'm childfree. These kinds of lists are among the best ways to remind me why.
I continue to be happy that I'm childfree. These kinds of lists are among the best ways to remind me why.
