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Sometimes parents want to be 'relatable' and 'cool', so they use meme references and words like 'lit' but these things don't cut it. All these desperate attempts do is just embarrass their kids. However, if they try something really ridiculous, it brings them even more shame. They end up on the subreddit /r/InsaneParents.

The online community describes itself as "a weird place where you can post those crazy parents who post in those woo-woo anti-vax groups on Facebook and do things harmful (directly and indirectly) to their children. We want to be a place where people can come and both get support and laugh. So this sub is a mixture of both the heartbreaking and the hilarious. Come and join us. Especially if you have your own stories to tell or your own social media content to post." Below you will find some of their most popular posts.

#1

My Mother Dearest, Whom My Sister And I Just Let Back Into Our Lives, Talking To My Sister About Her Daughter (My Niece). Behold The Kind Of Person She Is

My Mother Dearest, Whom My Sister And I Just Let Back Into Our Lives, Talking To My Sister About Her Daughter (My Niece). Behold The Kind Of Person She Is

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deanna woods
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your sister has the right answer. Your mom is a piece of work. You never call children names.

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Bored Panda has already published two posts about the subreddit (here and here) but it looks like there's no shortage of insane moms and dads; people keep posting more and more parenting horror stories. Even though the subreddit was created relatively recently, in 2017, it already unites over 1.2 million members, with thousands online at any given moment. 

It's normal for parents and their kids to have different views and opinions. In fact, they can be used for growth, too. Vicki Broadbent, founder of Honest Mum and author of Mumboss, is one of those parents who are open to learning from their children as much as they want to teach them. "They've taught me a lot from feeling more confident when I've been trolled online, to how to create a TikTok video!" she told Bored Panda. "My kids aged 10 and 8 respectively are both creative, empathetic, resilient, and strong-willed little humans. We base our relationships on open conversations and trust. I think the art of listening has been lost somewhat, and rather than being didactic as a parent, we need to practice listening more (and really hearing) to others' points of view, before sharing our own views.

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    #2

    Guilty Has Punished

    Guilty Has Punished

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    S.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    93% is a really great score, though! I'm proud of the daughter.

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    Broadbent acknowledges that parents have the responsibility to inform, protect, and guide their kids, however, she thinks that children who feel endlessly chastised and forced to conform will do the complete opposite. "You have more chance of persuading your children to do the right thing if you are calm in the way you present your opinions."

    "Encouraging children to talk to you honestly without judgement means they will always come to you when they're in trouble. It's also healthy they learn that no one will ever always agree with one another. Another lost art is that of debating!"

    When Rebekah Tayebi, a clinical therapist and family coach, looks at toxic family systems, one thing that becomes really evident to her is seeing that the children are more attuned to the needs of the parents. That means, the typical parent-child relationship is inverted and there's confusion about what appropriate boundaries should be in place.

    "The hard part for children in these environments is that which is like so many of us, is that we might start to mirror the dysfunction that we're seeing," Tayebi said. That's the reason why it's so important to start to catch negative patterns in the moment and try to eradicate them.

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    "Parenting is hard, there's no manual, we're all simply trying to navigate our children through choppy waters and this ever challenging life to be kind and strong," Broadbent concluded. "We also want them to have fun. Childhood is precious. I also think showing my own children my own vulnerabilities has encouraged greater empathy in them and they've understood early on that I'm a real human being not a womb on legs."

    What some parents apparently forget is that they need their kids just as much as their little ones need them. When Broadbent had a big operation on her thyroid, for example, she was amazed to find just how much her children can support her during a difficult time.

    I don't know, maybe some of the parent-child relationships we see on r/InsaneParents are beyond saving. But I hope they can at least act as a reminder for the rest of us to cherish ours. 

    #4

    I Decided To Finally Go Vaccinated Behind My Anti-Vax Parent's Back!

    I Decided To Finally Go Vaccinated Behind My Anti-Vax Parent's Back!

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    Yibo Wang
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, in my home country, some of the vaccines are composary, whether you like it or not.

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    #6

    Should've Stayed At Home

    Should've Stayed At Home

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    #7

    Essential Oils Don’t Work

    Essential Oils Don’t Work

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those people should be charged with murder, manslaughter or child endangerment (whatever it comes under).

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    #10

    Father Tries To Say He Put Me Through College. My 1k Monthly Loan Payments Say Otherwise

    Father Tries To Say He Put Me Through College. My 1k Monthly Loan Payments Say Otherwise

    Bagelzaner Report

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    Boopie Dew
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup, sounds like something my ex did. My grown daughter called him out infront of everyone he knows. It was awesome. He didn't want to be a part of her life not the other way around.

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    #13

    Insane Parents Destroy Their Child’s Art Tablet For... Not Getting Up On Time

    Insane Parents Destroy Their Child’s Art Tablet For... Not Getting Up On Time

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    #14

    Is Violence The Answer ? I Don't Think So

    Is Violence The Answer ? I Don't Think So

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a disgusting piece of garbage, you just don't do that and you don't brag about it either.

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    #15

    Never Thought My Mom Was That Insane But I Guess Jesus Is Anti-Metal Straw. Sorry If It Doesn't Seem Serious, I Can't Take Anything Seriously

    Never Thought My Mom Was That Insane But I Guess Jesus Is Anti-Metal Straw. Sorry If It Doesn't Seem Serious, I Can't Take Anything Seriously

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    #16

    Hypocritical, Awful And Abusive

    Hypocritical, Awful And Abusive

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    #17

    Raised By Insane Parents Feels

    Raised By Insane Parents Feels

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    Chelsea Shimell
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s exactly how I feel, I’ve been lucky and I don’t even know anyone who has had covid. But this isn’t even my top 10 worst years of my life.

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    #18

    My Mother Blamed Me For Her Suicidal Tendencies. I'm 15

    My Mother Blamed Me For Her Suicidal Tendencies. I'm 15

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    #19

    Because His Kid Didn't Do Homework?

    Because His Kid Didn't Do Homework?

    NemoHobbits Report

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    MagicalUnicorn
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what the f**k? i feel sorry for both kid and doggo, won't be surprised if kid will hold grudge on parents for eons...

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    #20

    Check Mate, Religious Insane Parents

    Check Mate, Religious Insane Parents

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    Vanta Black
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe I can get all those years of rent back from my parents. They're religious nutjobs.

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    #21

    Poor Kid

    Poor Kid

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    #22

    Abusing Child Support

    Abusing Child Support

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    S.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That mother is so selfish and really cruel. I'm glad that OP is looking out for their daughter, she deserves better.

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    #23

    Lady Tries To Blame Vaccines After Her Son Contracts Hiv

    Lady Tries To Blame Vaccines After Her Son Contracts Hiv

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    Flisey
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When are people going to hop off the "Vaccines cause Autism" train? And you either 'have ' autism or 'are' autistic, you can't be 'are autism'

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    #24

    My Dad Charges Me $300 A Month For Rent And Refuses To Let Me Move Out. After Spending The Weekend With My Boyfriend, I Received This

    My Dad Charges Me $300 A Month For Rent And Refuses To Let Me Move Out. After Spending The Weekend With My Boyfriend, I Received This

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the actual, she needs to get out of that house and away from that nasty piece of crap.

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    #25

    Using Your Daughter’s Entire College Fund To Pay For Your Crappy Pyramid Scheme Products

    Using Your Daughter’s Entire College Fund To Pay For Your Crappy Pyramid Scheme Products

    midgethepuff Report

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    S.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ENTIRE college fund???? How dare you. How could you?

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    #26

    This Was By Far The Worst Incident. I Was In 2nd Grade, 7-8 Years Old And Just Went Through Some Of The Worst Trauma Of My Life And My Mom Was More Worried About Going To Vegas Then My Health

    This Was By Far The Worst Incident. I Was In 2nd Grade, 7-8 Years Old And Just Went Through Some Of The Worst Trauma Of My Life And My Mom Was More Worried About Going To Vegas Then My Health

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    #27

    Children Aren’t Slaves, Apologize When You’re Supposed To

    Children Aren’t Slaves, Apologize When You’re Supposed To

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    #29

    My Moms Response When I Came Out To Her. Haven’t Talked To Them For Two Weeks Now

    My Moms Response When I Came Out To Her. Haven’t Talked To Them For Two Weeks Now

    Cherrychemicals Report

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    Violet brown
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am so mad right now... she worked up all her courage and she get's this :(

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    #30

    I Didn't Want To Give My Jehovah's Witness Dad My Password Because I Was Texting A Girl And He Smashed It With An Axe And Then Beat Me. That Was 5 Years Ago And Today I'm Happily Living Together With That Girl

    I Didn't Want To Give My Jehovah's Witness Dad My Password Because I Was Texting A Girl And He Smashed It With An Axe And Then Beat Me. That Was 5 Years Ago And Today I'm Happily Living Together With That Girl

    Calvinkelly Report

    #31

    I Definitely Hope I Can "Indoctrinate" My Children Into Believing In Human Rights

    I Definitely Hope I Can "Indoctrinate" My Children Into Believing In Human Rights

    WharfBlarg Report

    #32

    Just A Cold

    Just A Cold

    alkaliseraphine Report

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    Dorothy Parker
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You just endangered hundreds of people and at least a few will die. You belong in prison.

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    #33

    Imagine Being A Pos Who Not Only Pulls Their Kid Out Of School Due To Not Wanting To Vaccinate Him But Also Broadcast His Misery In An Attempt To Get People To Side With You...

    Imagine Being A Pos Who Not Only Pulls Their Kid Out Of School Due To Not Wanting To Vaccinate Him But Also Broadcast His Misery In An Attempt To Get People To Side With You...

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    #34

    Parents "React" To Their 6 Year Old's Report Card For Views

    Parents "React" To Their 6 Year Old's Report Card For Views

    TaylorLorenz Report

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    S.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Showing your kids' faces uncensored and making money off them is already bad on its own, but to actively violate their right to privacy on such a scale is horrendous. Family vloggers need to stop exploiting innocent children like this for views and money.

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    #35

    I Don't Understand How Scientology Came Into Play

    I Don't Understand How Scientology Came Into Play

    enigmaticbloke Report

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    RaroaRaroa
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, the ignorance is terrifying. I hope some of those 73 comments set them straight.

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    #36

    You Should Be Grateful

    You Should Be Grateful

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    #37

    This Was Not Posted In A Joking Way

    This Was Not Posted In A Joking Way

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    Boopie Dew
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thats devastating to do to someone. Not only physically but mentally and emotionally.

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    #38

    “A 5 Year Old Is Perfectly Capable Of Fending For Himself”

    “A 5 Year Old Is Perfectly Capable Of Fending For Himself”

    yelloworange5 Report

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think the father should be packing the bags and taking the child. She is not right in the head if she truly thinks what she did was fine. Isn't there laws about this kind of thing.

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    #39

    Update: I’m Immunocompromised And My Mom Refused To Let Me Isolate. Now I Have The Coronavirus

    Update: I’m Immunocompromised And My Mom Refused To Let Me Isolate. Now I Have The Coronavirus

    racingbarakarts Report

    #40

    A Question That Came Into One Of My Local Radio Stations

    A Question That Came Into One Of My Local Radio Stations

    Wils53 Report

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    S.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine having a life so full of privileges that this is the issue you worry about — to the point of having it broadcasted on the radio. PS: Andy is a super cool name.

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    #41

    Spare The Rod

    Spare The Rod

    Seligas Report

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    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah spanking always seemed a tautology of a punishment: *smack* "how many times do I have to tell you [name]?! *smack* We. Do. Not. Hit. People!" *smack*

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    #42

    Glad I Have A Good Relationship With My Parents

    Glad I Have A Good Relationship With My Parents

    MemeDaddy2345 Report

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    Demian
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Story of my life brought up in an African home. You don't defend yourself, you don't block hits, you don't talk back, you can never be right and your parents can never be wrong

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    #43

    Idiot

    Idiot

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    RaroaRaroa
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How can anyone not see that giving a kid this age alcohol, caffeine or sugar is just giving them an early start on addiction?

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    #44

    My Fiance's Mom When We First Started Dating

    My Fiance's Mom When We First Started Dating

    imgur.com Report

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    S.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a fellow Asian............ That's really a new one, lol what?

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    #45

    Imagine Posting This And Being Proud Of The Anger That You Just Took Out On This Kid's Form Of Entertainment

    Imagine Posting This And Being Proud Of The Anger That You Just Took Out On This Kid's Form Of Entertainment

    matth3w_ab Report

    #46

    A Friend Of Mine Who’s 27 Years Old

    A Friend Of Mine Who’s 27 Years Old

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    #47

    Her Brother Died Of Measles, But She Still Won’t Vaccinate Her Child Against It

    Her Brother Died Of Measles, But She Still Won’t Vaccinate Her Child Against It

    JadedAyr Report

    #48

    Breaking A 7-Year-Old's Heart On Christmas

    Breaking A 7-Year-Old's Heart On Christmas

    imgur.com Report

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    S.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worry about the people who reacted to this with the laughing emoji.

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    #49

    And Guess What She’d Have Blamed Her Son’s Autism On If She Did Vaccinate?

    And Guess What She’d Have Blamed Her Son’s Autism On If She Did Vaccinate?

    JadedAyr Report

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    actaully...nevermind
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "i did all the right things. Had a natural birth, DiDn'T vAcCiNaTe, breastfed on d e m a n d for a year, fed a healthy diet..." Your's truly, -Seeking Sympathy 2020

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    #50

    My 5yo Child Is Enrolling In School And They Say I Can’t Come And Breastfeed Him. I’m Being Discriminated Against!

    My 5yo Child Is Enrolling In School And They Say I Can’t Come And Breastfeed Him. I’m Being Discriminated Against!

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    RaroaRaroa
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sick woman. Your child will be fine. You are still breastfeeding to meet your own needs, not his.

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    Note: this post originally had 97 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.