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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.

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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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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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.

Cyber Returns
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

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Alice in Hell
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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
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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
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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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