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Hugs, giggles, and their first I-love-yous, whopping bills, tantrums, and a constant state of worry – parenthood is a rocky journey that will reward you one day and make you contemplate your choices the next. 

It’s a common occurrence to feel exhausted and burnt out; at the end of the day, it’s not your usual 9 to 5 where you eagerly await tapping out on a lovely Friday evening, knowing that you’ve got a couple of days to spend in your own company. 

Caring for a child can suck the life out of you, especially given how the modern world expects you to juggle a million things at a time. It’s a demanding job that needs your complete dedication; however, it’s crucial to realize that everyone feels the weight of parenthood at some point or another, so don’t beat yourself up over it, and get ready to have a little fun with these parenting memes. 

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It goes without saying that becoming a parent is a tremendously difficult experience.

You may compare it to sailing into a storm on a shaky ship, or riding a rollercoaster – you know, bumpy and filled with twisty paths.

Now, of course, it’s also a very rewarding thing, but in addition to the deepest sentiments of love and joy, being a parent may cause you to feel the most worry, stress, frustration, wrath, and hatred you have ever felt in a relationship with another person.

But what’s a better way to remind yourself that you’re not alone than to look at some memes? Average Parent Problems is an Instagram page that dedicates its postings to, well, parenting and its universally experienced problems. The page currently has over 458K followers and is run by an influencer called Ilana Wiles.

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    Let’s learn a little more about the creator of the page! Ilana describes herself in the following manner on her blog, Mommy Shorts: “I’m a working mom from NYC who writes a blog instead of sleeping. I have two daughters. Harlow is seven years old and Mazzy is ten. If you think you have more adorable children, Mazzy and Harlow will challenge your children to a cuteness contest. Where everyone will automatically tie. Because pitting our kids against each other is totally NOT COOL. (Although I do it all the time.)”

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    The blogger then added: “I worked as a creative director in advertising for over 15 years before I quit to focus on Mommy Shorts full-time in November 2013. Using this blog to earn a living is more work than I ever imagined but nothing beats the flexibility of running your own business when you have kids.”

    Data from a 2020 poll by diaper-rash firm Boudreaux’s Butt Paste shows that just 12% of parents feel ready when they have their first kid, and most of you would probably agree that such a figure isn’t particularly shocking.

    The idea that people can only be ready for children after checking off certain items on a checklist has been floating about for a very long time. And while it’s unquestionably true that having a degree and a stable and well-paying career, being in a secure relationship, and owning a home will allow you to handle parenthood better, there’s one aspect of this notion that is a little faulty: you will never truly be “ready” to have kids.

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    It's sort of similar to how you’re already considered an adult, but despite that, no matter how many birthdays pass, you simply never feel like one.

    Time will tick, and chances are that you won’t ever wake up and suddenly feel like you’re finally in the right position to tackle parenthood. 

    For instance, most individuals choose to delay having children until they are financially stable – however, let’s face it, there’s no such thing as “enough money,” unless you’re one of the Kardashians of course. Now, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get prepared at all; it just means that there isn’t a clear checkpoint for that.

    You can never know enough, which is another important aspect to remember. Most people have no idea what they’re doing with their lives, let alone what they should be doing and/or how they should care for another human being.

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    #7

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    Headless Roach
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Be careful where you keep the stash though, Easter bunny search reveals all your secrets

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    We’re all learning as we go, and let’s not forget that every child is unique, so you won’t be able to find a manual that will provide you with all the advice you need to make the process smooth and easy. Do whatever you see fit, read as many guides as you want, and take however much time you need – but do it with confidence and don’t compare yourself to others.

    #11

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    kitten levels tokyo
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, I can tell them apart. How? I’m their mom… (One twin has a giant magic marker “X” on their chest…)

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    Bored Panda hopes that you’ve enjoyed this humorous yet very relatable ensemble of parenthood memes! Give Ilana a follow and don’t forget to let us know which post resonated with you the most.

    #15

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    Pedantic Panda
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spend months teaching them to walk and talk, then years telling them to sit down and be quiet.

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    #22

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    Cassandra Wee
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents keeps my daughters artwork from aged 6months old to this day when she is now 8! 😑

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    #25

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    tuzdayschild
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had so much fun with the Santa story as a child. I weep for you people.

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    CultOfBambi
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I pretended I believed in Father Christmas (Santa) for a lot longer than I actually did so I would still get that extra present. :D

    Jason Brooks
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Too bad nobody every bothers to teach you people that Jesus is just a story too. I weep every time I have to hear about fairy tales being real.

    tuzdayschild
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do you care that I believe? Why on earth would you give someone else's beliefs a second thought? Interesting though.

    Sigyn
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because you commented first on weeping for us for not believing, so why do you care that we don't believe? Why on earth would you give some else's lack of belief a second thought? Interesting though. 🤔

    Hobby Hopper
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents had a strict policy of honesty and didn't lie about stuff like this. I've always appreciated that they respected us enough as people to tell us the truth in everything (or at least what they believed to be the truth).

    Hobby Hopper
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why would someone downvote this? Seriously, there are a bunch of trolls on BP.

    Jen Hart
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We never did the Santa thing with our son. He found out about Santa from school, and asked what it was. We told him it was a made up fable that grownups tell kids to try and get them to behave for a month.

    Nathan Wolfe
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Which is why we don't celebrate Santa. My kid told me she didn't believe when she was 6. She said she kept it up "for her friends and classmates". So now we give each other gifts but thats about it.

    Existent
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never liked that story. It's an overweight old guy breaking in your house by breaking physics of fitting into a chimney and eating your cookies.

    Mika N
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly I appreciate that my parents didn't tell me Santa was real, and I don't really feel like I missed out. Knowing me, I think I would have been deeply crushed to know they'd "lied" and something I tried to keep believing in against doubt (because they told me so it must be!) was actually false all along. Christmas still always felt magical and wondrous to me (I still LOVE Christmas!!) and Santa was a fun game/story that I knew to be make believe.

    Pam Kerr
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't understand posting such a downer comment on a funny page...

    Duncan
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Christ-mas has nothing to do with presents. It's the celebration of the birth of christ and going to the freaking mass in church. It's our own fault and that of Coca-Cola we have stress weeks before Christmas because of these darn presents.

    BlueRoseofMystery
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a Christian I do agree on the true meaning of Christmas but please try to settle down, maybe? Using profanities is not a good way to convince people. And the reason we exchange presents is in celebration of the Greatest Gift being given to us with Jesus' birth. A lot of people let consumerism get in the way of the real meaning but including Santa and presents and celebrating the birth of Christ do no have to be mutually exclusive. Of course we focus on Christ in our household but seeing Santa and going to church too is fine. The economy is tight right now which can make buying gifts extra stressful, and I am sure people would understand cutting back on extravagant gifts (homemade works too). I hope your holidays are less stressful this year so you can enjoy Christmas. God bless.

    Jason Brooks
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like pretty much everything in Christianity, It's all just stolen from paganism.

    Katy McMouse
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When this happened, I told my kids that the population explosion of the early twentieth century made it impossible for Santa to float the entire cost of providing toys to the world's population of children, therefore placing part of the financial responsibility upon the parents of said children. Worked like a charm.

    MM
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Alternative: "....oh... wait. Yeah that WAS one that Santa brought... I was thinking about that OTHER thing (or the similar thing your sibling has... or the similar thing you got last year...)"

    Cyber Returns
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Try this: When Santa first started visiting kids around the world, there were not as many as there are now. As the years went by, more and more kids were born and Santa struggled to make the toys in time for Christmas. One year many parents were woken by his visit which was unusual and noticed how worn out he looked. That Boxing Day, while drinking his hot chocolate, Santa received letters from parents around the world saying: Dear Santa, As amazing as you are we have noticed you are struggling to make everyone happy, and it is harming your health. We aim to help by reducing your work load by sending you the gifts to give the children. Your friend Timmy (thank you for my bike in 1988) That's why Santa delivers presents bought by parents. The parents are helping him as a thank you for his kindness

    lauralett50
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. You're Santa's helper. He ran out and asked you for help.

    Debs Bee
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dissenter here: I'm 66 and I refuse to stop believing in Santa Claus!

    Brenda White
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We were comfortably well off in a very low income area of Boston. I told my kids we had to pay Santa for their gifts. . it worked perfectly to keep down the "gummies"

    She/her
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always say, "I think I gave you that but maybe it was Santa." Can't go wrong that way.

    Drew Carlisle
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Santa represents the spirit of giving." I've used this for my kids' entire lives. I couldn't get behind straight up lying but wanted to give them the magic for a while...

    Sue
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom told us that Santa couldn't get around the world in one day so he had helpers.

    O.M.Miki
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ahhhh same here for the tooth fairy. I had to really work hard at getting phone calls from my son to convince my daughter that it was and still is the tooth fairy asking me to pick up the toy cause the house too far and she's broke lol

    Cat Chat
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    After things like that, and the kids overhearing our private Santa discussions, the kids now know that Santa is sooo busy, he sometimes needs parents to help out in various ways. They truly believe we have secret daily phone calls with Santa all December long. 😉

    PENNY
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always told my kids that I paid for Santa's stuff that way they wouldn't pick things I couldn't afford and I told him Santa just sent me a bill every year

    Cynthia Wilkins
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the many reasons to just be honest with your kids. Christmas IS already magical without the lies 😉

    Diane Maggie Miller
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My Dad told us that he let Santa use his credit card sometimes. He was explaining why a nightgown came from Santa & the matching bathrobe came from "Mom & Dad."

    Rita Rose
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents used to say that half are from Santa and half from them, so you could just say the tags got mixed up 👍

    AgreeD 2
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I told my kids that Santa isn't real, but the man in the Santa outfit at the mall is there to make things festive and it's cool to take a photo with him. But that if someone is coming down the chimney, they need to call for help.

    Savannah Newman
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Saying its lies implies deception and just bad feelings. It is teaching them to believe in magic! All about the framing

    Sherri Stephens
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We always told our kids that yes Santa brought the toys but we paid for them. It also meant they scaled down what they asked.for. win win

    Joe Standford
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Easy stop lying to your kids about Santa in the first place, it destroys their trust in you

    Riley Hudson
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not gonna tell my kids about Santa because we don't celebrate Christmas anyways, we celebrate Yule. But they will always know the truth about things like where gifts come from.

    Chanda Smith
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I told my niece we were on the "Early Delivery List" to explain why presents did magically appear overnight.

    Lene
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I told my kids that only parents are allowed to visit santa and we get a list from him of toys we can buy for them. I also told them that he will send them a letter in December... don't know what to write or when I'll have time.

    Susan Ramak
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did this also had a tradition to keep his toys and clothes in good condition because for Santa to bring him new things we donated to homeless shelters because parents in homeless shelters couldn't afford Santa my friends thought this was cruel I thought it was making my child a kind soul who was right

    BeepBeepBoopBoop
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    depends on if you picked out the things to donate or if he chose what to donate. I think it could end up being cruel.

    Alice in Hell
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My son found all of his gifts including from santa, before Christmas one year..things he asked for on his list. I had to say I got them before he wrote his list ...which was all fine and dandy, but then I had to go and buy more gifts so he had something from santa 🙄

    Mary Peace
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always believed that Santa brought the small presents to put in the little stocking on the end of my bed, but the real presents that were waiting downstairs, were from my parents. My Mum told me her friend's little girl once said she had lots of presents from Santa and also from Aunties and Uncles, but nothing from Mummy & Daddy, so that's why they did it that way.

    BeepBeepBoopBoop
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my parents never actually told me about santa! Apparently it was something I learned lol. I only had one wrapped present from Santa, I knew the stockings were from family. We also have the tradition of going to one house each year, so it'll be like our house, then next year my grandma's house, then next my aunt's house. Oh and ALSO opening one present at a time going in a circle, and stockings get opened the same way but before breakfast lol

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    kitten levels tokyo
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For people with no kids the most relaxing thing in the world is to watch parents run around like crazy people.

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    *Displayname*=idk
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same with siblings. When my siblings went to bed it was game time. You get to eat all the snacks they want to eat just because you could.

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    *Displayname*=idk
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never understood much about boy bands, or why people obsess over them. Like, they are just people who sing songs with their bros..?

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    *Displayname*=idk
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    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom told us we were not allowed to play that anymore. (cause we were too "loud") EDIT: Why are people being so mean about my grammar. Grammar is not my strong suit, so why judge me? I say the word "cause", because I was raised with that word. I see nothing wrong. And what good does being mean do? And just know that some people don't take bullying well. I have been bullied practically my whole life, and I will not let it continue. It helps nobody. Also @gas station cola, if you are so concerned about grammar why don't you become a grammar teacher, maybe fix your first letters of your username to a capital letters.

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