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You can read every book on parenting and join all the Facebook mommy and daddy groups but when the time comes and you start raising kids, they will undoubtedly find a way to surprise you. Every. Single. Day.

Want to admire your boy playing with his toy? Too bad, he breaks your front tooth in half. Won't let your girl keep a handful of coins in her mouth? Get ready for a furious meltdown. At least you now have a story for the Internet.

As a follow-up to our previous list, we at Bored Panda have compiled a set of photos that perfectly sum up parenting in just a single frame. Enjoy!

Vicki Broadbent, a writer, director, broadcaster, and founder of the parenting blog Honest Mum, told Bored Panda that it's important to have realistic expectations when it comes to first-time parenthood. "I naively thought that my first born would be some sort of fun accessory I could dress up and play with when in reality all babies are hard work and parenting a baby—while joyful—is equally tedious and tiring," the author of The Working Mom: Your Guide To Surviving and Thriving At Work and At Home said.

"All they do in the early months is eat, sleep and poop. You as a mother will also be undergoing great physical and mental changes post-birth and those coupled with sleep deprivation will be tough-going." 

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    #2

    I Guess There's Something To Be Said About Knowing Proper Anatomy

    I Guess There's Something To Be Said About Knowing Proper Anatomy

    moneekautumn Report

    This might sound scary, but when you know what to expect, you can begin to prepare yourself for it. "My advice is to create a parenting self-aid kit for emotional and physical wellbeing spanning meditation apps (I like the free Insight Timer)," Vicki said.

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    Get yourself a set of short but effective mindful exercises, a stocked freezer full of healthy and filling meals, and a support network you can rant, cry and share with (on and offline), and you're good to go. "It takes a village to raise a child and a village to raise a mother."

    #3

    We Found My Wife’s Phone In The Toilet Yesterday. We Weren’t Sure Which Of Our Three Kids Put It There Until My Wife Scrolled Through Her Pictures Today

    We Found My Wife’s Phone In The Toilet Yesterday. We Weren’t Sure Which Of Our Three Kids Put It There Until My Wife Scrolled Through Her Pictures Today

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    Psychologist Romeo Vitelli, Ph.D., acknowledged that becoming a first-time parent can have a dramatic impact on many people, both in terms of the stress they experience and the impact that it has on marital satisfaction and emotional well-being.

    "New parents can report considerable stress for different reasons," he wrote. "Along with the added financial burden of a new child, new mothers and fathers often experience significant conflict between work and family life along with realizing that becoming a parent means taking on a lifelong responsibility."

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    #6

    In The Future When Someone Asks What It Was Like To Work From Home In 2020. I'll Just Show Them This Picture

    In The Future When Someone Asks What It Was Like To Work From Home In 2020. I'll Just Show Them This Picture

    helohelo Report

    Vitelli also mentioned an interesting study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. According to the paper, for new moms and dads who have problems with forming attachments, the stress involved in making the transition to being a parent is especially high.

    They usually have a history of poor relationships and are often loners who have difficulty asking others for help.

    Since they are uncomfortable acting as caregivers, taking care of an infant is particularly difficult for them. Furthermore, they also get less satisfaction from their children than most new parents and are more likely to focus on their work while leaving most of the childcare duties to their partners. Since gender differences play a strong role in how attachments are formed, men are more likely to avoid attachments than women.

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    #8

    Took Kids Parasailing And They Played Dead

    Took Kids Parasailing And They Played Dead

    thenewfoo Report

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    If you're a parent, conflicts (both inner and outer) are inevitable. But it's how you deal with them that matters the most. After all, problems provide not only a headache but also an opportunity to grow. "As psychotherapist and author Philippa Perry advocates in her excellent bestselling book, The Book You wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did), you need to recognize that your reactions/triggers to your children are usually reflective of experiences in your own childhood," Vicki Broadbent added.

    "When you recognize this and treat yourself with compassion, you can change your responses to your children. With every stage of childhood, you will come across new challenges but taking a breath so you can respond rather than react, is key."

    #9

    My Son Just Made A Huge Mess. This Is His Just Let Me Explain Face

    My Son Just Made A Huge Mess. This Is His Just Let Me Explain Face

    Mjones_bulldog Report

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    #11

    I Can’t Say I Haven’t Wondered This Myself. Still Funny Though

    I Can’t Say I Haven’t Wondered This Myself. Still Funny Though

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    #12

    Our Airbnb Had A Translucent Bathroom Door. I’m Used To My Impatient Toddler Stalking Me Through The Bathroom Door, But This Took It To A Much Creepier Level

    Our Airbnb Had A Translucent Bathroom Door. I’m Used To My Impatient Toddler Stalking Me Through The Bathroom Door, But This Took It To A Much Creepier Level

    goodluck_canuck Report

    Vicki said that the more you practise this, the more you can rewire your brain to take a measured, calm response. It's something she is constantly working on with an 11-year-old child experiencing puberty herself.

    "I do believe the kinder you are with yourself, the more understanding you will be with your kids and everyone else. It's a privilege and a joy to raise children but it's also a huge responsibility. Cut yourself some slack. Perfect parenting doesn't exist, simply try your best, apologize when you fail, always be honest and empathetic."

    #13

    "Screw You And The Clothes You Bought Me"

    "Screw You And The Clothes You Bought Me"

    OctopussSevenTwo Report

    #14

    My Friend’s Kid’s Diaper Report From Daycare *faints*

    My Friend’s Kid’s Diaper Report From Daycare *faints*

    calidelphia1228 Report

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    N G
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maddie got the easy ones, Brooke drew the short straw.

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    #16

    7-Year-Old Girls Really Know How To Hit You Where It Hurts

    7-Year-Old Girls Really Know How To Hit You Where It Hurts

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    #17

    After 9 Months WFH, This Morning Was The First Time My Daughter Has Seen Me In A Suit. Did Not Approve

    After 9 Months WFH, This Morning Was The First Time My Daughter Has Seen Me In A Suit. Did Not Approve

    Humvee13 Report

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    Vic
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who is this? WHERE'S MY DADDY.. WANT DADDY..WAAAHHHH....

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    #18

    It’s Moments Like These That I Wish I Didn’t Go All “Balls Out” On Having Children. Here’s Penny, Showing Her Class “Something That Smells Good”

    It’s Moments Like These That I Wish I Didn’t Go All “Balls Out” On Having Children. Here’s Penny, Showing Her Class “Something That Smells Good”

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    #20

    Now This Is Real Life

    Now This Is Real Life

    megancurrenphotography Report

    #21

    It Took Her Mom 20 Hours To Get That Out After Her Brother Poured A Container Of “Bunchems” In Her Hair

    It Took Her Mom 20 Hours To Get That Out After Her Brother Poured A Container Of “Bunchems” In Her Hair

    lisa.tschirlig Report

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

    Why the hell would her brother do that? Edit: I do have siblings. I have a little sister who did something like this once, that's why I'm just kind of frustrated ;)

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    #22

    Found Out My Kid Had This On His School Classroom Wall All Year

    Found Out My Kid Had This On His School Classroom Wall All Year

    bhornet2008 Report

    #23

    Parsley Or Weed

    Parsley Or Weed

    Tunezz7 Report

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

    Worse, they'll be expecting her to distribute weed in jail and she'll be handing out parsley..

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    #24

    There Goes Their Screen Time

    There Goes Their Screen Time

    RyanS0619 Report

    #25

    Texts From The Babysitter Never Surprise Me Anymore

    Texts From The Babysitter Never Surprise Me Anymore

    eazye06 Report

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    Rissie
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, so, mom, that's a little more impulsive than average. Even for a baby. And I have seen things. So. Good luck with that.

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    #29

    That's A Silly Reason To Cry

    That's A Silly Reason To Cry

    SeauxCocoa Report

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    lara
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sell him on Etsy, you made him, as someone else has pointed out in another freakingly funny comment.

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    #30

    He's Actually Far Too Smart For Me

    He's Actually Far Too Smart For Me

    southwoodhunter Report

    #31

    My Neighbor's Toddler Was A Little Too Quiet

    My Neighbor's Toddler Was A Little Too Quiet

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    #32

    My Toddler Found A White Ink Pad And Immediately Turned Into Saruman

    My Toddler Found A White Ink Pad And Immediately Turned Into Saruman

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    #33

    It’s Always Nice Getting Pictures From Our Son’s Teacher Showing How He’s Excelling In School

    It’s Always Nice Getting Pictures From Our Son’s Teacher Showing How He’s Excelling In School

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    #34

    I Woke Up To My Daughter Standing Over Me Like This. I've Never Been So Proud (Or Terrified)

    I Woke Up To My Daughter Standing Over Me Like This. I've Never Been So Proud (Or Terrified)

    bibowski Report

    #37

    Biggest Mystery Of All Time

    Biggest Mystery Of All Time

    _BIGSYD Report

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    POST
    Eva the Egg
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *sigh* Your name was on the packaging when we bought you from Kmart, happy now?

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    #39

    Our House Has 10 Rooms

    Our House Has 10 Rooms

    danthoms Report

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    fu yu
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aww, they just like being near Daddy! Consider yourself blessed cause once they're teenagers...

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    #40

    My 5-Year-Old Son Stole My Wife’s Wallet The Other Day And Ran Off To His Room Quietly. Today She Got Pulled Over And This Was All She Had For ID

    My 5-Year-Old Son Stole My Wife’s Wallet The Other Day And Ran Off To His Room Quietly. Today She Got Pulled Over And This Was All She Had For ID

    kcazdaddy Report

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    Vicky Zar
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, why didn't they check after taking the wallet away from the kid?

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    #41

    It's The Small Things That Make Being A Parent So Rewarding

    It's The Small Things That Make Being A Parent So Rewarding

    Be_mused Report

    #43

    I Come Home From Work To My Purple Son, Painted By My Daughter

    I Come Home From Work To My Purple Son, Painted By My Daughter

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    #44

    Parents, How's That Home Schoolin' Going?

    Parents, How's That Home Schoolin' Going?

    wetbudha Report

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    Glory The Rainwing
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait-what? I'm not a joy? after i did 19 ASSIGNMENTS THAT WERE MISSING TO PLEASE YOU?!?!

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    #45

    Apparently, The Kids Were Too Distracted To Shut The Door

    Apparently, The Kids Were Too Distracted To Shut The Door

    sn00perz Report

    #46

    My 6-Year-Old Got Tattoo Markers For Christmas And Disappeared For Half An Hour. Bonus: We Can't Get It To Come Off

    My 6-Year-Old Got Tattoo Markers For Christmas And Disappeared For Half An Hour. Bonus: We Can't Get It To Come Off

    stephicus Report

    #47

    She Wanted To Play With The Laptop

    She Wanted To Play With The Laptop

    Poncecutor Report

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    #49

    All The Stuff My Son Has Put Down The Air Conditioning Vent In The Last 6 Years

    All The Stuff My Son Has Put Down The Air Conditioning Vent In The Last 6 Years

    reddit.com Report

    #50

    I Sat On The Toilet, Closed The Door, And My 2-Year-Old Decided I Wasn't Pooping Myself Fast Enough

    I Sat On The Toilet, Closed The Door, And My 2-Year-Old Decided I Wasn't Pooping Myself Fast Enough

    jonathan-gostelow Report

    Note: this post originally had 168 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.