The way that someone raises their kids doesn’t depend on their gender. Instead, they’re influenced by their values, their upbringing, as well as current social and parenting trends.

However, there is a stereotype going around that some dads are more carefree and relaxed when it comes to childcare than moms. And the photos in this list play on this perception in society. 

How someone raises their kids will depend a ton on the family’s situation and needs. While one approach might work perfectly for one family, it might miss the mark in another one.

Ideally, however, parents should aim to create a balance between love and healthy boundaries, for the sake of a nurturing environment at home.

Authoritative parenting is a good approach because it sets clear rules and expectations, but also focuses on open and honest communication, as well as the kids’ opinions.

People’s methods might vary, but the end goal is more or less the same: raising children to be healthy, happy, kind, and driven members of society. However, closing your eyes and hoping for a miracle won’t suddenly put your household in order. Parenting requires consistent dedication, lots of patience, and the willingness to accept the fact that things will never go ‘perfectly.’

All parents make mistakes. All kids make mistakes, too. It’s how people respond to them (with support, guidance, and a growth-focused mentality) that sets great parents apart. When your kids see ‘failure’ as learning opportunities, the sky’s the limit.

Similarly, if they know that they can always turn to their parents for advice even when things go really wrong, they can move through life with a deep sense of inner confidence.

It’s important to understand that being a ‘perfect’ parent is unreasonable, impractical, and, well, a fairytale. Scrolling through social media and reading awesome parenting blogs can create the illusion that everyone’s raising their kids well and they’ve got it all figured out. It’s a misperception.

Everyone struggles. Everyone has bad days. So long as you’re doing the best you can, you’re doing good enough.

At the core of parenting is the idea that you’re responsible for your children, no matter how good or bad you might feel at the moment. At the same time, it’s vital to remember that parents aren’t just parents. They’re people with needs and wants.

Though parenting is a noble cause, it can lead to a lot of frustration if it’s the only thing folks have going on in their lives. Spending time with your partner and friends, and taking the time to focus on other passions and hobbies isn’t something to avoid: it’s healthy. 

Similarly, parents need to understand that it’s essential that they take care of themselves, too, not just their kids. Someone who’s chronically exhausted, frustrated, demotivated, and feeling unappreciated is going to struggle from day to day. On the flip side, someone who takes good care of their health, splits the housework and childcare with their partner, and has other things going on in their life is going to thrive as a parent.

That’s why it’s so incredibly fundamental that parents remember to eat well, get plenty of exercise, and get quality sleep every day.

Of course, that’s easier said than done when there are spills to be cleaned, mountains of dishes to be tackled, and primary school math homework to overcome. However, no parent should feel guilty about looking after themselves.

At the end of the day, everyone’s going to struggle at some point. It really helps if you have a safety net or a support network to fall back on. If you find that you’re overwhelmed, hiring a babysitter or asking your family or friends to look after the kids for even half a day can do wonders.

You can use that free time as you see fit. Whether that’s soaking in a well-deserved bath while listening to your fave jazz music, going for a hike in nature, or working on a beloved hobby you’d ignored for the past few years.

You can also use the time to reconnect with your partner. Going on dates and small getaways, and having some romance in your day-to-day lives will do wonders for your relationship. You'll come back home reenergized.

Moreover, you can change the dynamic and have your kids become a part of your life, not just be munchkins who require feeding and bathing. Fully introduce them to the daily reality of your life, from the chores you have to do to your hobbies. You can involve them in cooking and cleaning up. You can share your passion for reading and hiking as well. Take them with you when you go volunteering.

Not only will you spend quality time together this way, but you’ll also inspire them to be more independent. Parenting can be challenging, yes. But it shouldn’t be just a challenge. It can be a ton of fun, too.

After you’ve upvoted your fave dad pics, feel free to tell everyone about the funniest things your parents have done in the comments, Pandas. Do you have kids yourself? We’d love to hear what your approach to parenting is like. For some more wholesomely hilarious photos of dads taking care of their kids, check out Bored Panda's earlier feature.