Parenting is stressful, and if you don't find an outlet for that pent-up stress, you might be toast. Recent Yorkville University research shows that 90% of mental health experts in Canada are concerned about parents' mental health. And half say they're extremely worried. So, parents clearly need a break.
A break from worrying about family finances, their kids' mental well-being and academic performance, and what to have for dinner tonight. Letting themselves be silly is how some parents cope with all the impossible stressors. And we're highlighting these types of parents here today; the ones who manage to retain the humor and wholesomeness even when life throws them the biggest challenges.
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My Parents Befriended A Homeless War Vet. They Decided To Give Him One Of Their Work SUVs, Complete With Sleeping Quarters
They included a bag of goodies and paid for the car to be insured and registered for one year. They also hired him.
He’s working and extremely happy. My parents made sure he’s getting food, which my mom makes for him. He’s a good worker, but he just has really bad PTSD, and it’s sad watching him go through an episode. However, he’s been doing great since this happened.
As a veteran who has been homeless and suffers from PTSD, it's so nice to read stories like this. OP's parents are amazing humans for helping those who are struggling and giving them a chance, when so many turn their backs on what they deem as a 'lost cause.'
Leaving the Vets who fought for your country on the streets to be rescued by citizens...are you not ashamed AT ALL? Kudos to these ppl who step up to do what any decent government does.
This is awesome! Must be such a blessing to be able to extend a helping hand to that extent. I am grateful you could and did. I have several Vets in my family, but they were blessed to serve and not come out severely traumatized with PTSD.
Thank you so much for doing this , America treats its vets appallingly totally. Mind u ain’t so sure here in uk is much better tbh m, a bit better but not much pfft and to the vet tell him thank you for your service from me over the pond 🫡
They could have rented him a place for all the cost of insurance and stuff. Glad they hired him however.
Your constant running theme of US=terrible/UK=perfect is really getting boring.
Load More Replies...My Dad And I Used To Get Milkshakes Together All The Time. My Daughter And I Sharing Our First Milkshake Together
Never Too Old To Have A Snuggle With Your Parents
My baby brother finished his last day of school today; he’ll be a senior in the fall. I walked into the living room, and they were both fast asleep.
There's nothing more important than a parent taking good care of themselves. After all, when a parent is not paying enough attention to their well-being, the well-being of the kids suffers. It might seem impossible for a parent to get even a minute to themselves. But here's one thing to remember: even a moment of decompression can help parents feel much better.
Simple ways to practice self-care can be making a cup of tea or coffee for yourself and taking five or 10 minutes to enjoy it. Taking a walk is also a good way to decompress, and bonus points for improved physical health. But self-care oftentimes can't be spontaneous. Parents may need to plan these activities beforehand, no matter how small they are. It may seem silly to put "go for a walk" on the calendar, but it increases commitment.
Mom Is Proud
One of the best moments as a parent, seeing your kids graduate.
My Dad Was 57 When I Was Born, So I Always Assumed He Would Never Live To Meet My Kids. You Can Imagine How Special Moments Like These Are
92.5 years difference between these two.
My husband was 29yrs older….always assumed he would be around until our daughter was at least a teenager. He’s not. He’s dead.
My Adoption Was Finalized Today! Those Two Lovely People Behind Me Are My New Parents! Couldn't Be Happier
I was adopted as an infant 63 years ago. My older brother would tell me about how when I was adopted and my family was in court the judge asked my future sibling - in a suit and tie at 8 years old - if he would be a good big brother. He's been the BEST big brother.
Pediatrician J. Michael Wertman, MD, notes that parents should seek opportunities to have fun. Essentially, try to incorporate the things you like into your daily activities that involve your children. If you like sports, coach their little league team or volunteer to help during soccer practice.
If you like reading, make it a tradition to read your kids a book every night before bed. Dedicate time to talk about the books with the children, too. "It's an opportunity to be positive, to encourage and to enjoy a unique closeness," Wertman points out.
My Parents Sent Me This From Their Retirement Community Today
My Father Made This From Scratch For My Niece’s 3rd Birthday
Mostly cardboard and popsicle sticks, with plaster for the base and some fire-proof material for the white chimney in the back (you can make it emit smoke!). Not sure what else he used, as he didn’t go into too much detail. Took him 2 months to finish, with quite a bit of trial and error along the way.
I Am Lucky To Have A Korean Mother, Otherwise I Would Be So Dirty
While exercising to de-stress may sound counterintuitive and not relaxing at all, it's almost the next best thing when it comes to taking a break. According to the Mayo Clinic, any form of physical exercise can act as a stress reliever. In a previous interview for Bored Panda, licensed psychologist Nathan Brandon explained how "jogging, cycling, or even walking, [releases] endorphins and helps to reduce stress hormones."
My Dad Was Admitted To The Hospital Right Before Christmas. We Didn't Know If He Would Make It Home At All And Especially Not For Christmas
This is my parents slow dancing to "I'll be home for Christmas" on Christmas Day.
Found A Lost Dog, But Couldn't Keep Her At My Apartment. Convinced My Parents To Watch Her While We Look For Her Owner
An hour after dropping her off, my mom sends me this.
My Dad Has Never Had A Cat But Loves Mine When He Comes Over. A Couple Days Ago He Found A Kitten Crying Outside Who Prefers Sleeping Like This. I Hope He Keeps It
Dr. Brandon also shared other tips for relaxation with our readers.
- Breathing exercises
- Meditation
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Setting realistic goals
- Prioritizing tasks
Socializing with the people we love matters a lot, too. "Spending time with friends or family, or even participating in community groups, can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation," Dr. Brandon pointed out. "Journaling can also be a therapeutic way to express and process emotions."
Today, 25 Years Ago, My Mother Adopted Me
Parents Gave Me A Gift For College Today, Which Was All The Money That My Mom Found In My Pockets When Doing My Laundry
Mom collected money since I was in the 4th grade... $415.
According to Dr. Brandon, managing stress is not a one-size-fits-all approach. "It's essential to find what works best for you and to regularly practice these strategies," he said. "Self-care practices such as getting enough sleep, taking breaks when needed, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy can also help to prevent stress from building up. Remember to be kind to yourself and prioritize your physical and mental well-being."
My Dad Stops His Lawn Mower To Move Frogs On His Lawn
We did a walk around of the yard and moved 4-5 of them prior to him getting on the mower. He still had to stop it twice to move the little guys!
My Mother And Father. Photos Taken 51 Years Apart
Parents Got Snowed In At The Lake House. Mom Sent Me This And Said "Your Father And His Friend Are Out Of Control"
Well, Its Not Like You Can Outrun A Missile. Might As Well Get A Last Meal In
If I'm going to die, might as well get a second helping of bacon.
Do you think parenting with humor is a good strategy to experience less stress, Pandas? Share your personal experiences with us in the comments, and let us know the funniest thing your parents ever did. And if you want to see even more parents being hilariously wholesome, check out our previous articles here, here, and here!
My Wonderful Parents
My parents would always get me and my brother chocolates on Valentine's Day. Came out as a lesbian to my family around that time several years ago. Now every V-Day, they get me chocolates with the pride flag on it.
My Mother, After Completing Her Round Of Chemo, Meeting Her New Puppy For The First Time
Father Has Proclaimed His Dislike For Cats For Years, But Then This Happened
I'm A Disabled College Student Who Just Graduated... I Can't Decide If My Parents Are Hilarious Or Horrible Human Beings
I laughed for 10 minutes straight when they handed it to me.
As A Kid, I Was Embarrassed When My Dad Would Hold My Mom's Bag For Her. Now Look At Them Go! Still Traveling The World, Strolling Arm In Arm
This Picture Of My Parents Never Actually Happened, But Two Separate Photos That Fit Perfectly Together
Those Cats Are All Nope
Over 3 Years Ago, My Dad Had A Major Stroke, Causing Paralysis On His Right Side. My Sister Sent Me A Picture This Weekend Of He And My Mother Dancing
I haven't seen him happier in a long time. 47 years of marriage, and still on their honeymoon.
Magnificent Dad
My 60-Year-Old Stepfather Asked The Cashier What He Should Get His Transgender Daughter As A Birthday Present. Probably The Best Gift I’ve Ever Been Given
My Dad Got Married Today. His 80th Birthday Is Tomorrow
After 5+ Years Of Ivf And Fertility Challenges, Today I Became A Dad
My Mother Made A Facebook Account, And This Was Her First Message To Me
One Of My Favorite Moments. My Dad Became Deaf And Confined To A Walker Last Year, But He Still Wanted To Do A Father/Daughter Dance
I told him to pick a song he could remember or hear in his head, so we danced to "Somewhere over the rainbow.
I'm A Wheelchair User Who Just Started Seeing A Personal Trainer To Fine Tune My Upper Body Strength. My Parents Got Me This Shirt
I cope through humor. I think the shirt is hilarious. I am more than aware that my body is a hot mess.
I Am Out To Lunch With My Parents. I Told My Parents To Look Happy When My Dad Turned To My Mom And Said, "Look Happy? All I Have To Do Is Look At You"
My parents didn't meet until they were both over 30. My mum actually kept turning my dad down, too. Love can happen at any time in your life. And I am sure my parents would be honored to be an inspiration for others.
My Dad Painted These Eggshells 35 Years Ago. Today I Thought Of A Safe Way To Pass Them On To My Kids
My father is a talented artist, and he painted these hollow eggshells 35 years ago. I've always been afraid to display them because they're very fragile, but a solution popped into my head today. I made a nest globe for each of my four kids, and now the eggs can (hopefully) stay safe for many more decades!
So Cute
I'm Pretty Lucky
2-Year-Old Twins' Priceless Reaction To Their Parents Kissing
Been Really Stressed With My Classes Lately. Found This In My Textbook. I Am Lucky To Have Such An Amazing Father
My dad's great. He's an amazing father; he's been through so much to get to where he is today, and I'm lucky to have him.
My Dad And The Yellow Finch Who Hurt Himself, Finally Let Go After Refusing To Stop Clinging Onto His Finger For 30 Minutes
After My Family Refused To Help Me Convince My Dad To Wear A Pickle Costume For Halloween, I Bought One And Sent It To Him Anyway. Meet My Dad, Rick
Text From My 10-Year-Old, Who Has Been Being Bullied At School Lately
I didn’t have this kind of relationship with my own parents. Breaking generational trauma is hard, but worth it.
My kid had a sit-down with her teacher and the bully to confront them, and the meeting went badly. She was hysterically crying and wanted her mom. I’m glad she reached out. My parents definitely did not care about what was going on at all as long as I stayed out of their face.
Ugh 🥺 poor baby. They really should’ve had both kids’ parents present anyway.
My Hard-Working Parents
In their 34 years of marriage, my parents worked multiple jobs to support our family. Every summer, they would fill a small, round, inflatable pool with water from the garden hose for us kids. Yesterday, they had their first swim in their very own pool!
My Dad's Painting
My mum died late 2023 and my Dad's been a bit lost without her so I have started giving him little projects to do. I asked him to recreate a painting for Mr. This is the result.
My Parents In Their Youth (1998)
My Parents Started Running At The Age Of 30. Today, Being 50 Years Old, They’ve Finished Their 35th Marathon. My True Heroes
Or as the joke goes, "they started running 30 years ago, we have no idea where they are"
I Just Moved Away From Home For College And My Parents Hid 100 Ducks In My Dorm
My Father Hasn't Cooked Since His Alzheimer's Diagnosis About 2 Years Ago. Today, He Helped Make Hot Dogs
I'm so excited and proud, I'm telling everyone who will listen. He hasn't been able to work a stove in years, and he even figured out how to turn it off without my help!
I'm pleased for OP obviously, but Alzheimer's doesn't usually go in that direction.
My Mom Still Makes My Sister And I Do Easter Egg Hunts. I'm 25 Now
My parents are in their mid-50s now, and it's starting to hit home a bit. They do little baskets of sweets for Valentine's Day too, and my great aunt, who's in her 80s, always sends me, my sister, and my cousins each a nice crisp 5 dollar bill with a card for every holiday.
My Mom Has Secretly Been Getting Me Uranium Glass
I absolutely love uranium glass. It’s so fascinating to me, anything radioactive really is. Maria Skłodowska-Curie has been such an inspiration to me for as long as I can remember, and inspired me to major in chemistry and hopefully work in some kind of nuclear chemistry field in the future.
I got my first piece of uranium glass a few months ago right before I went off to college. I finally had the opportunity to go back home for the weekend from college, and I found out my mom has secretly been getting me uranium glass to add to my collection! I can’t describe the joy I feel about this.
I hear good things about uranium glass. Lots of glowing recommendations.
Dad Got Emotional At Grandpa's (His dad) 50th Marriage Anniversary. Grandpa Kissed My Dad While He Cried
The Worlds Best Gravy Boat - The Puking Pig. My Dad Likes To Enhance The Experience With Sound Effects Whenever It’s Used
Pretty much what he does!! I went up to get seconds, and he stopped mid-conversation when I poured my gravy to scream “BLECHKKKKKKKKKKK”.
My Parents Still Use The Angel Tree Topper In Made 40 Years Ago
This Is Too Adorable
After 50 Years Of Playing Golf, My Father Hit His First Hole In One. I Think This Picture Captures His True Happiness
A Father Got A Tattoo That Mirrors The Scar On His Young Son’s Chest, A Mark From Life-Saving Surgery For Congenital Heart Disease
My Mom Always Knows How To Cheer Me Up, She Sent Me The Sweetest Surprise
My Mom Who Has Hardly Ever Touched A Game Before Sent Me This Out Of Nowhere
We tried playing some of the game, and she's really struggling with the camera and walking, but other than that, she's super enthusiastic.
The other month, I tried teaching my mother how to play fortnite and she couldn't even open a door. it was very amusing.
First Packed Lunch From My Mom In Decades And I Could Cry
My car is in the shop, so my Mom dropped me off at my classes today and had asked if I wanted a lunch! This is so cute and I’m so excited to eat it. I love her so much.
My Dad Wrapped The Yard Tools He Got Me For Christmas
My Mother Got Embarrassed When She Found My Girlfriend's "Panties" On Our Kitchen Table
Just to be clear, that's a face mask.
I Introduced My 65-Year-Old Dad To Minecraft A Few Years Ago. I'm Back Visiting Home For A Few Weeks, And He Said He Wanted To "Show Me Something"
He then brought this posterboard with a pieced-together map he created encompassing the world he was playing/exploring.
I Thought This Moment Would Never Happen
My dad, after a hip replacement and months of physical therapy, was able to walk me down the aisle without his walker. I got my father/daughter dance too!
I Don't Always Get Packages From My Father, But When I Do, I Get This
"I'm Not Complaining! But She Is So Funny"
My Parents Are Celebrating Their 30th In Estes Park. Mom Is Loving It. Dad Is Doing His Best
Never Held A Baby, I've Avoided It So My Baby Can Be The First Baby I Hold. Today I Got To Hold My Baby
I Bought My Mom This Silly Wine Bottle Holder For Christmas. She Put In The Bottle She And My Dad Popped The Day I Was Born
Ken's Mom
My Parents Just Moments Before I Was Born
Fresh And Clean
Everytime I Cancel Any Plan With My Dad He Does This Whole Thing To Me And I Realize Where My Extra-Ness Comes From
Every Day My Parents Play Mario Kart 64 To See Who Makes A Cup Of Tea. They've Done This Religiously Since 2001
I Need My Credit Card To Be Like This So I Can See Myself Judging Me For Spending More Money
My Mom Made Me Really Cute Steamed Buns This Morning. We Got Them From T&T And They Are Custard Filled
My Mom Didn't Want Me To Stress About Finals, So She Made Me A Bubble Bath And Added Some Other Stuff
South Georgia Has Gotten 6” Of Snow. My 56-Year-Old Father Has Never Seen Snow Before And Keeps Sending Me Videos Playing In The Snow
My Father’s 6th Attempt To Outsmart His Geriatric Cat Into Taking Her BP Meds
This is his dog's food. Cat is obsessed with it because it’s not hers, and that’s why my dad tried it. It should work exactly once before she figures it out, and he moves on to the next super fun idea.
My Mother Was Cleaning The Attic
My Mom Made Me This Cake, She Knows I Love My Cat
I Need To Know What Happened Next
Those questions should be answered with nonsense: 1st, name of fav HS teacher? Bozo 2nd, street where you grew up? Bizi 3rd, name of your first pet? Baza
My Mom Made This Basket To Put In The Bathroom At Our Wedding. So Thoughtful And Made Me Smile
The "Lalala" Was Personal
My Parents Look Happier Holding This Bottle Of Bacardi More So Than They Ever Did Holding Me As An Infant
My Parents Are Finally Empty Nesters, And Decided To Take A Trip To Italy Together. Their Pictures Of Them Enjoying Their Time Together Makes Me Happy
They Snapchat me, because that's cooler than taking a selfie and texting it to me.
My parents send photos to each other without saying anything about them, making them guess
My Parents' 1984 Wedding Photography In All Its Glory
These aren't even the worst of the overlay photos. There are several of my parents in the face of Jesus. I think it was a combination of the wedding photography trends of the 80s and first-generation Italian-American culture/enthusiasm. And by enthusiasm, I mean tackiness.
These photos most definitely foreshadowed an inevitable, nasty divorce.
In Honor Of Father's Day, Enjoy This Picture Of My Dad Contemplating A Gorilla's Butt
I'm Pooping, And My Dad Slid This Under The Door
These Were Way Cooler Than Emoji
Texts With My Parents
I cherish every interaction with my parents. We are very close, and they mean the world to me. I was raised surrounded by this kind of love and encouragement, both of which have taught me how to be a good person and return it all back to them. I consider myself extremely lucky.
My Parents Took Advantage Of The Graduation Sign Trend To Tease Me For Dropping Out
My Parents Left Notes All Around The House Before They Left For Their Week-Long Cruise
I called my dad last night to wish him happy birthday. He turned 80 y/o and is working on harvest. Still farms corn and soybeans and raises cattle but says he's going to slow down.
My father, a WWII vet, lives by himself and at 98 is independent except for driving. He has a heart procedure scheduled in 20 days to alleviate a blockage. The surgeon is confident and he and all four of his daughters (I'm the second) want him to be pain free. I spent at least 3 days a week at his house watering his 60+ plant pots and talking. Life goes quickly, so stop every once in a while and enjoy it.
I called my dad last night to wish him happy birthday. He turned 80 y/o and is working on harvest. Still farms corn and soybeans and raises cattle but says he's going to slow down.
My father, a WWII vet, lives by himself and at 98 is independent except for driving. He has a heart procedure scheduled in 20 days to alleviate a blockage. The surgeon is confident and he and all four of his daughters (I'm the second) want him to be pain free. I spent at least 3 days a week at his house watering his 60+ plant pots and talking. Life goes quickly, so stop every once in a while and enjoy it.
