ADVERTISEMENT

Parenting is a very contentious topic. Pretty much anyone you ask will have quite strong opinions on how best to raise children. At times, this can lead to fierce arguments online and in real life between people who mean well and have good intentions. 

Social media user @HonestLeYo started a massive discussion on X (formerly Twitter) after asking everyone to spill the tea about their most honest and slightly controversial opinions on parenting. Scroll down to see what they had to say. 

RELATED:
    #2

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    Irl_Andr01d Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kare Deter
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holy c**p at the comments in here!!! I 100% stand behind and give my full support to my GAY AUTISTIC son. Those of you who think less of my son or me can just shove your heads so far up your @ss that you choke on your own sh*t.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #3

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    MrHandsome__ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Black Cat
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so important. In fact I'd go as far as to say your child's safety and security should be your priority until they're old enough to look after themselves.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    The X thread was a resounding success and reached many people all over the social network. At the time of writing, user @HonestLeYo’s entire discussion was viewed a whopping 65.4 million times. It just goes to show how much people care about the topic of parenting as a whole. It’s a topic that’s very relatable and close to many internet users’ hearts.

    For every opinion on parenting, no matter how thought out and reasonable it might sound, there’s always going to be someone who’s going to counter it with their own take on things. People can have very wildly different perspectives and experiences in life. It’s no different where raising kids is concerned. Something that seems to work for one family might miss the mark in another home.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    theherbfarmer Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    James016
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to know someone who once she had her first child got on the highest horse you could imagine. She developed a sense of entitlement and superiority "because I'm a mother" Eventually we all went NC and I did hear that when she and her hubby divorced, he got custody.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #5

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    nazmaaman Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kare Deter
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Funny. Mine complain any time I make a big purchase because it diminishes their inheritance. That's now the joke in the family if I take them out to dinner and pay I promptly thank them for dinner as it came out of their inheritance. So much fun to watch them squirm

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    If you have kids, then you know that how you approach childcare might be different from how your relatives, friends, coworkers, and neighbors do it. There are four main styles of parenting: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful.

    You might find that you fit one category very neatly or you’re a mix of two. However, they’re not all built equal.

    #7

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    andreharris89 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kraneia The Dancing Dryad
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Got yelled at by a parent because I shooed a child out from behind the counter where I worked. I worked at a pizza place at the time.. the pizza oven is 500 degrees. Your child almost took a header into it. *Where were you* and why aren't you watching your kid?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #8

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    Ghoul_Cain Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kraneia The Dancing Dryad
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mine has decided to change their pronouns. I don't understand it, but I accept it cos I love them 🙂

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    angel_0f_deathx Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LilliVB
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is this controversial? If you are wrong you should apologize, it doesn't matter the age or the relation you have with the wronged party.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Though every family and child is indeed different, there are some things that all parents can do that are fundamentally sound. To put it very simply, research shows that it’s authoritative parents who raise the happiest, most confident, well-adjusted, independent, and well-educated kids.

    Meanwhile, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful parenting styles are severely lacking and can lead to serious issues down the road.

    #10

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    bluemoonietxt Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes. I always say that a big part of the world's f#ckery stems from the fact that people treat having kids as an obligation even though they're absolutely unfit for parenting.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Broadly speaking, authoritative parenting is about finding a balance between rules, boundaries, support, and love. It highly prizes open and honest communication, transparency, structure, as well as familial warmth.

    Authoritative parents set very clear rules and expectations for their kids, but they also take their thoughts and feelings into account. It’s a great blend of discipline, fairness, and guidance. 

    #13

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    Blaque_Dynamite Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I also give relationship advice to my friends even though I'm chronically single. It's about a different perspective.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #14

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    LaFemmeLux Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kaye
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worked at the DMV. An 18 year old came in with paperwork to change her name from Marijuana Cocaine. I can't imagine what her childhood was like.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #15

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    cup_of_joe_33 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Charles McChristy
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That goes for the rate of pay, too! I don't care that you have 4 kids and cannot pay your bills, especially if you underperform. That does not give you a right to earn more money simply because of this. I've had this happen more than once when I found out someone was making as much as me without half of skills, education, and common sense I have. The answer was, "Well, he has a family..." That's not my problem.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    However, authoritative parenting doesn’t simply happen in a vacuum. It requires a lot of time, energy, and patience to get it right. It means slowing down and explaining to your child why you have the rules that you have for behavior at home and in public. It means enforcing those same rules to show that misbehavior has consequences.

    And it means constantly communicating with your munchkin throughout everything so that their feelings aren’t ignored. It’s a lot of work. But it’s worth it in the end.

    #16

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    fvneralmoonx Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Black Cat
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're in a home where you ever have to fear for your safety for whatever reason, thats no place for a child.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #17

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    GxxdGxd_ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Agamemnon O'Neill
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The number of hockey/football/pageant parents I know with miserable children. Or, "I wanted to be a doctor but didn't get the opportunity, but you can!" The parents are never satisfied and the kids hate life.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #18

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    tyinspires Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone on Tumblr once said that "small children have the full emotional range of an adult person, but no experience to know how to handle them" and it has really changed how I look at kids getting emotional in public.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    The alternatives are easier to implement because they require less effort on the parent’s part, but the results aren’t as good.

    For example, authoritarian parents may set clear rules, but they simply expect their kids to obey them without taking their opinions or feelings into account. It’s all strictness without the support. And there’s too much focus on punishment than warmth.

    #19

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    Cait_linm08 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't that the expectation and the bare minimum when you become a parent?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #21

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    Hoodie_Milly Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    rullyman
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People love to say this, and I understand their sentiment, but any world that implemented this would be a horrible world. Think about the people in power who get to decide the rules, and think of the people who would be excluded. LGBT people would have parenting rights revoked, disabled people, people from unconventional backgrounds. Imagine if the government could look into your past and see stuff like "oh you did drugs when you were in your early 20s? Well now you're 33 and haven't touched them for years, you can't be a parent. Sorry!"

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Permissive parenting, on the other hand, is the polar opposite of authoritarian parenting. Permissive parents are incredibly loving and responsive to their kids’ feelings.

    However, they tend to avoid setting and enforcing boundaries. One of the most accurate ways of describing the style is that these parents often think of themselves as their children’s friends, rather than guardian figures. They pretty much let their munchkins do whatever they want without wanting to control them in any way. But kids need some sort of structure to thrive.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #23

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    BrooksieCFonta1 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ample Aardvark
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think a lot of people want to have babies, and forget they grow into kids and teens and adults!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Lastly, there’s the neglectful (aka uninvolved) parenting style where there are no rules, expectations, or support. The parents, for whatever reasons, simply do not respond to what they require, from basic needs to attention and love. Kids who grow up this way tend to have lots of problems at school, have little self-control, and may get in trouble with the authorities.

    Out of all four of these styles, authoritative parenting is the only one that finds a balance between structure and encouragement. 

    #25

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    east_tx_boy_85 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    rullyman
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents are wonderful loving people who were really kind and supportive to my older brother and for many years he was an absolute s**t-head. He has matured a bit since settling down, but he's still obnoxious

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #26

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    momtalksstock Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Debbie
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "let them develop their own personalities" "if the kid turns out bad, it's the parents fault" "keep your kids in check" "don't be so strickt" - it's all just extremes against eachother, and all taken out of context. M W's comment to this post is what all these opinions need: an exact example. Those opinions are mostly geared towards a specific scenario in mind, but that is not mentioned.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #27

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    CeeFromTheMerk Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Daniela Lavanza
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And only if it works: if kids are told by a teacher how to behave well and the parents tell them otherwise, who do you think they'll most likely listen to? A guy they see a few hours everyday for less than a year, or their beloved parents they take as their life example? Yes, a good teacher can be a great help but it can't replace parents who don't do their job.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Which of the parenting opinions in this list did you agree with the most? What parenting style and philosophy do you apply at home, dear Pandas? What advice would you give new parents who are struggling to juggle work, childcare, chores, and rest? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so if you have a moment, scroll down to the comment section to share them.

    #28

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    LustforEmmy Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Tamra
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my personal experience, it's been the parents who are most religious end up being the ones to more quickly abandon their children at the slightest hint of deviation from their personal ideals.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #29

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    Mdima42 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Hollerfloozy
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gods yes. Dont excuse their bad behaviors because you think they can do no wrong. Let them experience consequences. Stand with them, hold their hand, but make them face the ramifications of their actions. Excusing them only creates a$$holes and monsters who think they can get away with anything.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    Black_attack07 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've heard about a father who reacted to his son assaulting a girl with "Nice, I was getting afraid he's gay". Some nice priorities, really...

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    macaiyla Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Debbie
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Parents are not servants or slaves to their children though. People should appreciate what they have. Both parents and children. And no, it's not my responsibiltiy to be there for them no matter what. It is my responsibility to perpare them for adult life, to make them independent (good) human beings. It is my responsibility to make sure they can live happily ever after without me.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #32

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    cardinal4ever Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Dianellian
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s makes me so sad and angry seeing babies holding a phone when out and about. Literal babies! Disgusting. And then there’s the toddlers. No wonder IQ points have dropped for the first time in over 70 years after ongoing growth. 22 points! That’s massive!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #33

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    Alldogswelcome5 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LadyMouse
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom used to vent all her anxieties to me as a child. Even about her sex life with My dad. Fun times going through that in therapy

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #34

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    themultiplemom Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES. This is the correct response to the "ChiLdReN aRE NoT yOUr FriEnDs" argument.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #35

    Controversial-Parenting-Opinions

    Hoodie_Milly Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Jo Maxwell
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not always. Sometimes parents try to connect with their kids and that kid just goes off the rails.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Note: this post originally had 87 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.