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50 Posts From Toxic Parents Who Simply Shouldn’t Have Had Kids, Shared On This Online Community
Let’s face it, parenting is one of the biggest challenges that we’ll ever have to face in our lives. It’s right up there alongside fighting off an alien invasion, surviving a zombie apocalypse, rocket science, and plugging in a USB cable on the first try. So it’s no wonder that most parents are less than perfect. In fact, it’s pretty much the norm.
However, they’re nowhere near the level that some of the parents featured on the ‘Parents Are Effing Dumb’ subreddit are. There, you’ll find some of the biggest fails that will make you gasp, shout “think of the children!”, and think about taking these people’s parenting license away. Remember to buckle up and upvote the pics that made your jaw drop as you scroll down the rollercoaster that is this descent into parenting weirdness.
When it comes to parenting, both extremes—absolute perfectionism/trying to be a ‘perfect’ parent and not trying hard enough—can be harmful to the family. And while it’s very clear what bad parenting is, perfectionism is more insidious and sneaky and can actually end up being just as harmful as actual neglect or ignorance, though in a very different way. We spoke about the pitfalls of this with an expert in the field of psychology.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I'm Sorry, What??
#2
He’s Not Wrong
#3
My Family Does This To Me All The Time, And Each Time I Tell Them It Discourages Me But They Still Do It
Emma Morton, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, explained to Bored Panda the pitfalls of perfectionist thinking and how it spreads to many areas of a person’s life, contributing to poor mental health and even depression.
Believing that you should (or even that you can) be a so-called ‘perfect’ parent is actually detrimental to your health. What’s more, the belief that you can control every single outcome can spread to other areas of your life, not just parenting.
#4
How Could She Not Know How Antlers Work?
#5
And I Know That From Home
#6
Me Getting My Vaccinations After My Mother Refused For Me To Have Them
If I could I would live under water 3 years ago
I love when teenagers actually start to think for themselves, and not just repeating what they parents think
“When we set excessive and inflexible high standards for ourselves and become self-critical about not meeting those, perfectionism can become a problem for our mental health and potentially contribute to depression or suicidal thoughts,” researcher Morton said.
#7
Actually What The F**k
#8
She Is Insane
achilles get down from there 3 years ago
That’s just the same as smashing down a Lego set, or destroying paintings, or any other project. It’s destroying property! And hours and hours of care and passion.
#9
Very Not Cool
“Perfectionism is a very insidious problem—even if someone achieves great success in their personal or professional life, negative thinking patterns lead them to be highly self-critical, focus on perceived mistakes, or mentally discount their achievements,” Morton detailed that a perfectionist mindset dims even the biggest victories when we tend to laser-in on the various real and imagined flaws.
#10
Oh Dear Mom
#11
Tweet Says It All
#12
What If The Neighbors Had Dogs
The anxiety surrounding perfectionism is just as much about personal pride as it is about the desire to be respected and liked by others. “People who struggle with perfectionism may worry that they will be judged for their perceived failures, feel that they are inadequate for needing help, or assume they will be a burden on their family and friends,” she said, adding that this can make perfectionists especially vulnerable mentally and emotionally.
#13
Please Show Support To The Op On His Post Since His Parents Surely Won't
#14
Can’t Imagine What That Kid Has To Deal With
#15
Wow Just Wow
As such, it’s very important that parents who make mistakes with their kids don’t overcorrect and land in the ‘perfectionist’ zone. Similarly, any parents who realize that they’re being inflexible with their standards and are overly critical of their and their kids’ (real or perceived) faults need to learn to hold back and allow room for (at least some) failure. After all, learning to deal with failure and drawing wisdom from our mistakes is what being human is all about. One thing's for sure, though: nobody wants to be that parent who ends up on 'Parents Are Effing Dumb.'
#16
Drip Or Drown
#17
Imagine... Uggh
Little Wonder 3 years ago
Oh god, there should be laws against this sort of "family youtube" thing. Using your kids for views and cash is revolting.
#18
Parents Theory
Ryan Deschanel 3 years ago
"Those Japanese cartoons are too violent. Here, watch this documentary about the genocide in Vendée on the French-German channel."
#19
Bad Parenting
#20
Florida Teen Dies From Covid-19 After Mom Takes Her To Church “Covid Party”
#21
Atleast One Person In The Comments Had The Sense To Tell Her To Call A Doctor! This Is Too Much
#22
Taking A Picture Instead Of Saving Your Child
Ryan Deschanel 3 years ago
You can make other babies, but opportunities to feel like you are relevant on a social media are important.
#23
Mum Is Angry At Her Child For Growing
#24
Another Great Example Of Dumb Parents
Christopher Walkies 3 years ago
Only took this picture for my lawyer. Oh, and the internet and the world.
#25
Wtf
Ryan Deschanel 3 years ago (edited)
Old people think they are gods, they always think they are always right about everything. Edit : not all of them, obviously, but it is more like a general tendency.
#26
Big Brain Logic
Lauren Caswell 3 years ago
I can see the composite in my head now from all I've seen that I couldn't stop: "how many times must I tell you *name*?! We *smack* don't *smack* hit *smack* people *wrenches kid away by the arm*
#27
Mint Drugs
#28
Family Had Symptoms Of Covid But Sent Child To School Regardless
#29
My Parents Think This Is A Cute Decoration
Donkey boi 3 years ago
My MIL collects golli-dolls. I asked her mother (my wife's grandmother) about it a few years back. She told me that after the war, they were left with nothing, rationing was the only thing keeping them fed. She was out begging one day with her infant child (my MIL) and someone gave her a golli doll and she has kept it ever since. The doll, to my MIL, was the first and only gift she would receive as a child and holds huge sentimentality, if her house caught fire, she would try to save them, before her husband. She knows and understands why they are racist, but for her, they represent something else, kindness, charity, safety and childhood.
#30
Found This On Facebook
#31
Woke Up And Saw My Door Removed By My Parents. I Asked Them "Why?" And They Replied With "Privacy Isn't Necessary"
Little Wonder 3 years ago
My parents didn't take my door, but they had the same attitude to privacy. They still do.
#32
Tell Me Why
#33
Sorry If Repost
John Smith 3 years ago
I have good news for you. You can stop worrying about your son getting a girl pregnant.
#34
Let Me Just Punish My Kid For Being Depressed Instead Of Trying To Deal With It
#35
It's A Repost
#36
Everyone Is Fine Today And No Bad Habits Were Formed
CatWoman312 3 years ago
Imagine if he had of died from alcohol poisoning instead. Stupid grandpa
#37
Well, He Tried
#38
My Dad Needs To Stay Off The Internet
#39
We Know Everything About You
#40
That Kid Is Like 1
Andrew Gibb 3 years ago
Cement burns and irritates skin- the kid needs to be washed off immediately. Whoever took the photo and/or stood watching this is a nunt
#41
I Did It
#42
Modern Names From Modern Parents... Parent Stupidity
#43
7yo Gets Bullied At School For Sitting In A Car Seat, So Mom Waits Until He's Asleep, Takes A Photo Of Him, And Posts It On The Official Parents Magazine Instagram Page (855k Followers)
Ryan Deschanel 3 years ago
I think this person is actually evil. Maybe she will learn her lesson when she is not invited to his wedding, never meets her grandchildren, and is cremated in the cheapest casket and thrown away in the nearest lake with just a small prayer and two flowers.
#44
We’re In A Crowded Terminal And This Toddler Wouldn’t Stop Crying And Screaming, So Her Mom Gave Her A Whistle To Play With
#45
Yes, The Problem Is Definitely Not That You Gave A Phone To A 2 Year Old!
#46
Ou Mama!
Naima Ivansdóttir 3 years ago
omg i was about to comment "what do you know, maybe she's having a bbq with guests and she's in charge for the booze" THEN I SAW IT
#47
Sad We Have To Create Something So We Don’t Forget Children
Katherine Boag 3 years ago
If you 'never understand' why people make mistakes, you're another reason why people think they could never make a mistake, don't use any kind of failsafe, make a mistake, and have dire consequences.
#48
My Son Likes To Do Something He Likes And He Deserves It, But Doesn't Need It. What Should I Do?
Blakkur Sverrir 3 years ago (edited)
You could teach him the valuable lesson that, no matter how hard he works and how good he follows rules, people with power (you in that case) will never let him see a reward for it, let alone have some time to relax and recharge. That will teach him a lot about life. Or push him to burnout/suicide and stuff.
#49
Nice Name
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Little Wonder 3 years ago
A lot of these left me speechless with horror. Some people really should not have children. Or be near children. Or be near anyone at all.
Ambar 3 years ago
I will say one sentence, ten words about that I think of this: all children deserve parents, but not all parents deserve children.
Megumi Saikou 3 years ago
I just got into an argument with my mom. It goes: Me: *minding my own business on break and testing out my old raspberry pi 2* (Hag): WTFH ARE YOU DOING YOU B*TCH? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING HOMEWORKING AND STUDYING FOR ALL OF YOUR FINALS!!!! Me: Mom, I'm just finishing up some extra homework for digital electronics, and plus, the only final I have left is my math, and it's easy and open notes. (HAG): I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANY EXCUSES YOU BASTARD! YOUR GRADES ARE TRASH AND YOU'RE STILL HERE PLAYING VIDEO GAMES ON THAT COMPUTER?* *BTW, My grades are average 96, and the Raspberry Pi2 has 1 GB Ram and can barely access the internet. Me: WTH? I'm just minding my own business and you just came out of nowhere and started yelling at me? I'm supposed to eating lunch right now anyway? Why all the fuss? (HAG): WHY? BECAUSE I SAID SO! SO DO IT YOU MOTHERF*CKER!! And basically, that's my everyday life. It's sh*t. Usually I don't swear a lot on the internet, but I just have to vent my anger!
Easily Excitable Panda 3 years ago
It just kills me that I couldn't have children, but look at all the idiots who can. I've got to go back and read the grandparents one again so I quit crying.
Anyone-for-tea? 3 years ago
Me too. I wish I could run a home where everyone can come and escape from those environments, finish school or college and get ready for uni or work in a safe space. I wanted to foster, but I’m chronically ill now so can just about look after myself! 😬
Load More Replies...
JayWantsACat 3 years ago
My ex-g/f was genuinely a great person, who worked fulltime to support herself as she worked towards her degree in a related field, went to church and was never a burden on her parents. However, she was the 'bad daughter' because she spent time with me and her friends instead of with them 100% of the time. Meanwhile, her sister barely worked, got pregnant out of wed lock, then married the guy because "they were in love", had two more kids, got divorced, and lives at home with her three kids is the "good daughter" because she has nothing going on with her life, kids aside, so spends all her time with them. I never understood it and while we argued once or twice over years about it, it didnt really affect us but i just dont get it.
Jo Choto 3 years ago
My childhood was pretty monstrous. I won't bother you with details, but whatever bad thing you can imagine happening to a child, I had some of that. The reason I say this is that I know what it feels like to think that being totally alone in the world is better than being with the people you are forced to be around, but feeling alone leaves you totally lost and empty. I am now well into adulthood, and I have made a good life for myself. I have dealt with my horrible past and have moved beyond it. I am a happy person. If there is someone out there feeling like they are living a nightmare, and nothing can ever change, if there is someone out there thinking they can't go on anymore, I just want you to know that life DOES change, and it DOES get better, and the second you are an adult (or like me, can get legally emancipated and live independently from the age of 16), the world is a very, very different place. Do not despair. Do not give up. There is hope. You are not alone.
Raena Celis 3 years ago
This post has made me want to be the best parent I can be for my kids. At the same time, it's open my eyes to people who should be sterilized
PKMN Trainer Link 3 years ago
My dad is a racist and when I try to talk to him about it, he says that it's public school's fault. Then, he blames my friends for the way I think about politics. My mom constantly yells at me for no reason and then my parents get mad at me for not smiling, showing, my emotions, or talking to them. I know its not as bad as other stuff on here, but I still can't wait to move out. My 22 yo sister is a better mom. I'm 14 btw
Cami 3 years ago
Need y'alls opinion on something, k? POV: You're a fourteen-year-old girl. Your dad just picked you up from an activity and it's around 10:30 PM. You're in the bad, sketchy part of town where it's not safe for most people to walk around at night. Your dad pulls into a gas station in his bright red BMW with you inside. He inserts the gas pump, tells you to take it out if it finishes before he gets back, and goes inside the gas station, leaving the car doors unlocked. The area is far from empty. There is a man smoking weed thirty feet from the entrance and another one filling his car up across from you. Would it be wrong for me to say I feared for my safety because anyone could have stolen the car(again, red BMW) and/or kidnapped me easily? Am I overreacting? Please let me know(this was about seven months ago).
J. Normal 3 years ago
You were probably safe... actually if it is busy you are safer. BUT NEVER sit in an unlocked car! Lock those doors and he can get the gas pump himself.
Load More Replies... 
BlackPearltheSeaWing/NightWing 3 years ago
These parents sucked and I feel so terrible for their children. I wish I could help them all get out of this situation even though I'm probably not older than some of them.
Fatty Toogans 2 years ago
These poor children need help and those parents need to not be parents 🥺🥺🥺🥺
Monica Pryts 2 years ago
A few of these were funny but most of them made me feel like "Mother of the Year."
MIA J RODRIGUEZ 3 years ago
As someone who had an abusive mother these make me sad because i can relate.
aromantic avocado 3 years ago
I would watch YouTube during school at the beginning of the year but still got all my work done and maintained straight As. I'm currently baned from YouTube and have been for about six months cause my parents found out. I know this isn't that bad and I've had worse "parenting" moments but yeah.
Paddling Panda 3 years ago
These parents are just a Who's Who of Human Crap. One of the many reasons I chose to not have kids is because of the s**t I experienced as a child, a teen, and an adult. I hope each of these "kids" (young or adult), knows how valuable they are and how worthwhile they are to their pets, friends, other family members who DON'T abuse them. Hugs to everyone who has been hurt and who still hurts. I understand.
Fxnglhl 3 years ago
when i was 13 yo i had a drawing of a landscape or something destroyed by my little cousin. he was 5. i told my mom about it because it took a long time to make, and my mom just said "it's OK, he's only 5 years old and he doesnt understand yet." i was about to shoot back with "says the person who confuses 'chemistry' with 'chemical' " (my mom doesn't speak English that well) but i know that there's no point in talking back cuz apparently i'm the least favourite child anyway
John Baker 3 years ago
Yes, there are some classic examples of Grade A stupidity here, but not all of them. A lot of what you're calling "toxic parenting" was just normal when I was a kid, and you know what? Most of us turned out just fine. As Bob Dylan said, don't criticize what you can't understand.
Leslie Burleson 3 years ago
Two vaccine posts barely into the article. No thanks. I've heard all I want to about that
Little Wonder 3 years ago
A lot of these left me speechless with horror. Some people really should not have children. Or be near children. Or be near anyone at all.
Ambar 3 years ago
I will say one sentence, ten words about that I think of this: all children deserve parents, but not all parents deserve children.
Megumi Saikou 3 years ago
I just got into an argument with my mom. It goes: Me: *minding my own business on break and testing out my old raspberry pi 2* (Hag): WTFH ARE YOU DOING YOU B*TCH? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING HOMEWORKING AND STUDYING FOR ALL OF YOUR FINALS!!!! Me: Mom, I'm just finishing up some extra homework for digital electronics, and plus, the only final I have left is my math, and it's easy and open notes. (HAG): I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANY EXCUSES YOU BASTARD! YOUR GRADES ARE TRASH AND YOU'RE STILL HERE PLAYING VIDEO GAMES ON THAT COMPUTER?* *BTW, My grades are average 96, and the Raspberry Pi2 has 1 GB Ram and can barely access the internet. Me: WTH? I'm just minding my own business and you just came out of nowhere and started yelling at me? I'm supposed to eating lunch right now anyway? Why all the fuss? (HAG): WHY? BECAUSE I SAID SO! SO DO IT YOU MOTHERF*CKER!! And basically, that's my everyday life. It's sh*t. Usually I don't swear a lot on the internet, but I just have to vent my anger!
Easily Excitable Panda 3 years ago
It just kills me that I couldn't have children, but look at all the idiots who can. I've got to go back and read the grandparents one again so I quit crying.
Anyone-for-tea? 3 years ago
Me too. I wish I could run a home where everyone can come and escape from those environments, finish school or college and get ready for uni or work in a safe space. I wanted to foster, but I’m chronically ill now so can just about look after myself! 😬
Load More Replies... JayWantsACat 3 years ago
My ex-g/f was genuinely a great person, who worked fulltime to support herself as she worked towards her degree in a related field, went to church and was never a burden on her parents. However, she was the 'bad daughter' because she spent time with me and her friends instead of with them 100% of the time. Meanwhile, her sister barely worked, got pregnant out of wed lock, then married the guy because "they were in love", had two more kids, got divorced, and lives at home with her three kids is the "good daughter" because she has nothing going on with her life, kids aside, so spends all her time with them. I never understood it and while we argued once or twice over years about it, it didnt really affect us but i just dont get it.
Jo Choto 3 years ago
My childhood was pretty monstrous. I won't bother you with details, but whatever bad thing you can imagine happening to a child, I had some of that. The reason I say this is that I know what it feels like to think that being totally alone in the world is better than being with the people you are forced to be around, but feeling alone leaves you totally lost and empty. I am now well into adulthood, and I have made a good life for myself. I have dealt with my horrible past and have moved beyond it. I am a happy person. If there is someone out there feeling like they are living a nightmare, and nothing can ever change, if there is someone out there thinking they can't go on anymore, I just want you to know that life DOES change, and it DOES get better, and the second you are an adult (or like me, can get legally emancipated and live independently from the age of 16), the world is a very, very different place. Do not despair. Do not give up. There is hope. You are not alone.
Raena Celis 3 years ago
This post has made me want to be the best parent I can be for my kids. At the same time, it's open my eyes to people who should be sterilized
PKMN Trainer Link 3 years ago
My dad is a racist and when I try to talk to him about it, he says that it's public school's fault. Then, he blames my friends for the way I think about politics. My mom constantly yells at me for no reason and then my parents get mad at me for not smiling, showing, my emotions, or talking to them. I know its not as bad as other stuff on here, but I still can't wait to move out. My 22 yo sister is a better mom. I'm 14 btw
Cami 3 years ago
Need y'alls opinion on something, k? POV: You're a fourteen-year-old girl. Your dad just picked you up from an activity and it's around 10:30 PM. You're in the bad, sketchy part of town where it's not safe for most people to walk around at night. Your dad pulls into a gas station in his bright red BMW with you inside. He inserts the gas pump, tells you to take it out if it finishes before he gets back, and goes inside the gas station, leaving the car doors unlocked. The area is far from empty. There is a man smoking weed thirty feet from the entrance and another one filling his car up across from you. Would it be wrong for me to say I feared for my safety because anyone could have stolen the car(again, red BMW) and/or kidnapped me easily? Am I overreacting? Please let me know(this was about seven months ago).
J. Normal 3 years ago
You were probably safe... actually if it is busy you are safer. BUT NEVER sit in an unlocked car! Lock those doors and he can get the gas pump himself.
Load More Replies... BlackPearltheSeaWing/NightWing 3 years ago
These parents sucked and I feel so terrible for their children. I wish I could help them all get out of this situation even though I'm probably not older than some of them.
Fatty Toogans 2 years ago
These poor children need help and those parents need to not be parents 🥺🥺🥺🥺
Monica Pryts 2 years ago
A few of these were funny but most of them made me feel like "Mother of the Year."
MIA J RODRIGUEZ 3 years ago
As someone who had an abusive mother these make me sad because i can relate.
aromantic avocado 3 years ago
I would watch YouTube during school at the beginning of the year but still got all my work done and maintained straight As. I'm currently baned from YouTube and have been for about six months cause my parents found out. I know this isn't that bad and I've had worse "parenting" moments but yeah.
Paddling Panda 3 years ago
These parents are just a Who's Who of Human Crap. One of the many reasons I chose to not have kids is because of the s**t I experienced as a child, a teen, and an adult. I hope each of these "kids" (young or adult), knows how valuable they are and how worthwhile they are to their pets, friends, other family members who DON'T abuse them. Hugs to everyone who has been hurt and who still hurts. I understand.
Fxnglhl 3 years ago
when i was 13 yo i had a drawing of a landscape or something destroyed by my little cousin. he was 5. i told my mom about it because it took a long time to make, and my mom just said "it's OK, he's only 5 years old and he doesnt understand yet." i was about to shoot back with "says the person who confuses 'chemistry' with 'chemical' " (my mom doesn't speak English that well) but i know that there's no point in talking back cuz apparently i'm the least favourite child anyway
John Baker 3 years ago
Yes, there are some classic examples of Grade A stupidity here, but not all of them. A lot of what you're calling "toxic parenting" was just normal when I was a kid, and you know what? Most of us turned out just fine. As Bob Dylan said, don't criticize what you can't understand.
Leslie Burleson 3 years ago
Two vaccine posts barely into the article. No thanks. I've heard all I want to about that
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