Parenting can be tough for both moms and dads. And while both parents share a deep love and care for their children, they often approach parenting in unique ways.

For example, if you ever fell off your bike as a kid, your mom was probably the first one to rush over, offering a comforting hug and a bandage. She'd soothe you with care and warmth. Meanwhile, your dad might have given you a reassuring pat on the back and told you it’s just a scratch, encouraging you to keep riding.

Research has shown that moms are more likely than dads to describe themselves as overprotective. Usually, their instinct to protect their kids comes from a place of love and concern.

They’re often driven by a deep desire to ensure their children’s safety and well-being. It’s their way of showing just how much they care. About 51% of mothers feel they’re too cautious, compared to 38% of fathers.

Imagine you wanted to climb a tree as a kid. Chances are your mom might have been on high alert, ready to catch you if you fell. She must have thought and worried about every possible risk, like whether there might be a snake on the tree or if the branch could be weak. She would have definitely asked you to be extra careful.

On the other hand, your dad might have let you climb with a few encouraging words, trusting your ability to handle it and learn from the experience.

Dr. Catherine Monk, a psychologist and professor of medical psychology at Columbia University Medical Center, points out, “This 'maternal instinct’ of a sixth sense for one’s child and what they need comes from intense closeness and deep love, spending hours with and thinking about the child.”

Mothers often spend more time with their young kids, which makes sense given their hands-on role in a kid’s daily life. According to a study, American dads typically spend around 8 hours per week on childcare, while moms spend about 14 hours. This extra time isn’t just about being around; it’s about soaking up those everyday moments with the little ones, which can make their involvement feel even more intense and loving.

As moms are often more deeply connected to the kids, they might find it harder to say no to them for anything. This strong bond can lead to giving in quickly—40% of moms admit they sometimes give in too easily, compared to 27% of dads. If a child makes a puppy face and asks for more screen time, chances are their mother will let them watch their favorite cartoon for a longer time.

On the flip side, dads are more likely to stick to their rules firmly, with 36% saying they hold their ground too much, while only 24% of moms feel the same way. For example, if the kids really want to have dessert before dinner, a dad might be the one to hold firm and say, “No sweets until you’ve finished your meal,” sticking to the rule without compromise. Meanwhile, a mom might just offer a small treat.

This dynamic shows how parents balance affection and punishment differently; mothers tend to be more lenient while fathers are more strict. And when it comes to giving praise or criticism, the differences between moms and dads are pretty subtle. For example, 23% of dads feel they might be too critical of their kids, while 18% of moms share that feeling.

Sometimes, dads are more demanding of their kids because they focus on pushing them to improve and succeed. As a kid, if you brought home a report card with lower marks, your dad might have emphasized the importance of studying harder and setting higher goals so that you achieve great things in life.

On the flip side, 29% of moms think they might overdo the praise, compared to 23% of dads. So, while moms might worry they’re showering their kids with too many compliments, dads might be more concerned about being too tough on them.

Regardless of their parenting styles, both moms and dads put a tremendous amount of effort into raising their kids right. It's critical that they refuel so they can continue giving their best. One fun way to do this is by enjoying such amazing memes. Which of these posts instantly reminded you of your mom or dad? Let us know!