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Ever met someone who makes you wonder if they grew up in a cave? Whether they display a lack of manners, an extreme sense of entitlement, or an acute refusal to be held accountable for their actions, it’s obvious they have zero home training.

Somebody asked the internet, “What’s a sign someone definitely wasn’t raised right?” and netizens were only too happy to share their opinions. Here’s our collection of some of the biggest red flags that scream poor parenting

More info: Reddit

#1

Smiling woman in plaid shirt holds a fluffy dog outdoors, illustrating signs of being raised in a cave. Poor treatment of animals or using pets as accessories and not family members.

MuppetBonesMD , prostooleh Report

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    #2

    Waitress in apron looks surprised, holding cup and plate, in a café, illustrating signs someone was raised in a cave. Not treating customer service staff well.

    londisan , pressfoto Report

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    Shelley Dawson
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its about showing respect for someone who is working to earn a living, as most of us do. However, if someone is rude to me and disrespects me, they will not be rewarded for it. 0

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    #3

    Child with a perplexed expression, holding her head, possibly showing signs of being raised in a cave-like environment. When they’re unable to admit they are wrong or made a mistake.

    SupportWontRespond , freepik Report

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    Shelley Dawson
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the best things my father taught me was that the man who never made a mistake never learned anything. It's about integrity. I kept clients in a highly competitive business because they knew they could trust me. 0

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    Raising kids is basically a long-term social experiment where the stakes are your sanity and their future therapist bills. Do it right, and you get a responsible, kind adult. Do it wrong, and you could end up with a full-grown menace who thinks shopping cart etiquette is optional. So, what makes the difference? In short, parenting styles.

    We all know that one kid who never had to lift a finger in their life because their parents were always hovering like an overprotective drone. Helicopter parenting means shielding kids from every possible failure, scraped knee, and slightly critical teacher comment. The result? Adults who panic when their Wi-Fi drops out for five minutes.

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    #4

    Person using a grabber tool to pick up trash in a park, highlighting telltale signs of littering. Littering.

    _deletedaccount__ , freepik Report

    #5

    Two people laughing while a third person looks frustrated at a desk, highlighting social signs someone was raised in a cave. Making fun of someone for something they can’t control.

    Visual-Piano-1768 , Yan Krukau Report

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    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This, and it includes where you were born, what school you attended, what clothes your parents could afford, etc.

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    #6

    Two people holding a smartphone, discussing signs of being raised in a cave. People who use their phone on speaker in public, or watch videos without headphones/earbuds.

    Also people who don't wash their hands after using the bathroom. WTAF.

    xtingu , Budgeron Bach Report

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And the ones who listen to videos without earbuds don’t care about what kind of content they’re broadcasting. I was in a doctor’s office not too long ago, and this old a*****e was watching videos about erectile dysfunction, and I mean videos that were pretty graphic. Apparently broadcasting about his limp d**k issue didn’t embarrass him one bit. When asked if he could use earbuds or lower the volume, he rudely refused. You know, typical angry inch behavior.

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    On the other side of the spectrum, we have free-range parenting. These parents believe in ‘natural consequences.’ This sounds grand until little Timmy finds out that jumping off the garage roof is a terrible idea—the hard way. While independence is great and all, kids probably shouldn’t have the same level of supervision as a houseplant.

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    Then there are the parents who believe that their child is an infallible little deity, no matter how many tantrums, stolen lunches, or questionable “pranks” they pull. These are the parents who storm into school demanding to know why their ‘sweet baby’ got detention for setting a trash can on fire. Spoiler alert: this is how you get adults who refuse to accept consequences.

    #7

    Cars parked in a row near a blue parking sign with trees and buildings in the background, highlighting urban development. Zero civic-mindedness. It costs 0$ to throw your litter in the bin, refrain from parking in disabled bays, return your cart after use, stand and wait in line and the list goes on. If you can't even teach your kid which side of an escalator to stand on, you probably didn't teach your kid much else.

    fckvapiano , EyeEm Report

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    Phred
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not sarcasm, just curiosity: in countries where people drive on the left, what side of the escalator do they stand on? Yes, I'm an American. :-) My defense is that I've never been able to afford to travel much.

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    #8

    Two men in suits arguing intensely, with a woman pointing, discussing signs of being raised in a cave. Someone who won’t even listen to someone who has a different opinion, just immediately yells and says they’re wrong and not even try to see it from a different perspective. Usually someone who lacks empathy as well.

    Its_ya_girl_abs_ , yanalya Report

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    M HOmero
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is someone who exists in their own bubble, only see and hear what they want to hear. “All lies and jest, still a man will hear what he wants to hear and disregard the rest…”, Simon and Garfunkel.

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    #9

    Aerial view of a crowded gathering, highlighting diverse individuals in an urban setting. They're unaware of people in their immediate vicinity. A variation on spatial awareness or situational awareness as it relates to spaces where people gather.

    blackeyedsusan25 , EyeEm Report

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    Captive
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate this. People would stand in front of stairs or in the middle of hallways. No common sense

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    Permissive parents take the ‘cool mom’ thing a little too far. Instead of enforcing rules, they believe in ‘letting their kids make their own choices.’ Seems progressive, right? Until you realize those choices include unlimited screen time, skipping homework, and eating nothing but Sour Patch Kids. Sure, a kid should have freedom, but maybe they shouldn’t be negotiating bedtime terms like a corporate lawyer.

    Strict (or authoritarian) parents, on the other hand, mean well, but raising a kid under a military dictatorship doesn’t always lead to stellar results. These parents enforce rules with the iron fist of a 16th-century monarch. Sure, their kids might have perfect grades and impeccable manners, but come adulthood? They’re either rebellious chaos engines or incapable of making a single decision without their parents’ say so.

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    #10

    A man in pajamas looking confused while sitting on a sofa, representing signs of being raised in a cave. They expect never to be uncomfortable. Discomfort of any kind is a frightening or foreign concept to them.

    Icy_Construction_751 , hryshchyshen Report

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    V
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's possibly a sign of abuse as a child, or witnessing dv. They possibly grew up with parents that escalated fights, so any sort of negativity brings back bad memories. Or they grew up in a toxic positivity household and were never allowed to learn how to deal with negative emotions. Sad either way if it's one of those.

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    #11

    Mother and daughter at breakfast, daughter distracted by phone, illustrating telltale signs of being raised in a cave. They don’t realize what’s normal in a relationship, because they assume the relationship their parents had was normal.

    RareCicada415 , Kaboompics.com Report

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    Phred
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was normal for them. How are they supposed to know? Eventually they might realize that their situation was kind of odd (see numerous examples here), but it takes time.

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    #12

    Woman in tan blazer checking watch, displaying signs of impatience, possibly unaware of social norms. Zero respect for others' time.

    PhilosopherLanky4075 , benzoix Report

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    Little Bit
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And what's worse is when they can't be bothered to let you know they're running late and then when they do finally turn up they think their tardiness is one big joke.

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    Of course, there’s also the case where parenting styles clash and kids get inconsistent messages, which can lead to confusion about how to behave. That being said, different parenting styles can also complement each other, so it’s worth parents exploring and discussing each other’s styles and finding common ground for the sake of everyone’s sanity.

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    Parenting isn’t just about keeping tiny humans alive—it’s about making sure they don’t turn into full-grown nightmares. Every style has its ups and downs, but one thing’s for sure: kids need guidance, discipline, and, yes, a little bit of independence. Otherwise, we end up with adults who microwave foil, cut in line at the grocery store, and think ‘customer service’ means ‘verbal punching bag.’

    #13

    Man in a suit making a fist, possibly illustrating signs someone was raised in a cave behavior. Unprovoked Violence.

    tomjohn29 Report

    #14

    Two women in cozy sweaters sharing a laugh at an outdoor market, exemplifying lively social interactions. When the happiness of the person is making fun of others.

    Thera_Margaret99 , freepik Report

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the only way someone can feel good about themself is to tear everyone else down around them, and takes particular pleasure in doing it, then they really don’t have much good in them in the first place. Oh, and they can ALWAYS dish it out but not take it when it’s thrown right back at them. Biggest snowflakes ever.

    #15

    A woman with curly hair and red lipstick grimacing, illustrating a sign of being raised in a cave. No manners.

    PM_ME_UR_FEET_69 , Polina Zimmerman Report

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    Kin ak
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "what's a sign someone was malnourished?" "malnutrition"

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    The examples on this list are just some of the downsides of poor parenting, but we’re sure there are plenty more. What kinds of bad behavior have you come across that made you think someone must have been raised in all the wrong ways?

    We’d say netizens really delivered when it came to answering OP’s question. Which do you think are the worst results of a questionable upbringing? Upvote your favorites and don’t forget to leave a comment if you can relate!

    #16

    Teen leaning against a brick wall with crossed arms, appearing isolated while two others chat in the background, suggesting cave upbringing. People who feel the need to comment on others appearance.

    Manymuchm00s3n , freepik Report

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And latch on to making that kind of comment, and never let go of it, even when everyone else is telling them to back TF off.

    #17

    Three people engaged in conversation, one holding a mug, discussing signs of being raised in a cave in an office setting. Talk and act with no respect or consideration for other people.

    beautywow , katemangostar Report

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    Anne Young
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a reason I don't about people talk within earshot of them. Cause you never know how they'll feel.

    #18

    Two people in a kitchen, with one holding a dish, discussing signs someone was raised in a cave. Never take any accountability for their actions.

    No_Reason8645 , Alex Green Report

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    ninjaTrashPandaBoom
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or even worse IMO, scapegoating an innocent to avoid accountability for their own actions.

    #19

    Three women comforting a friend who is crying, illustrating support and compassion. They lack empathy and kindness.

    ronnyjottenobvs , RDNE Stock project Report

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    #20

    A woman in a white shirt looking at her reflection in a mirror, set against a natural background. Narcissism. This is learned behavior from a parent that had a personality disorder.

    Smoothsailing4589 , kroshka__nastya Report

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    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or a personality disorder of their own that had nothing to do with the parents.

    Featherking
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    More likely, actually. Narcissism tends to be something one is born with. Otherwise it’s just learned behaviour, and that can be unlearned. Not easily, but it’s possible. Narcissistic disorder is called that because it’s a disorder. Which one is born with.

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    Feathered Dinosaur
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Narcissism is a trauma response in itself and quite commonly caused by abuse, e.g. by a parent suffering from a personality disorder (like narcissism or borderline pd) or mental disorder (like bipolar disorder, àddiction)

    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It can be a trauma response but it can also manifest itself independently of external factors.

    Joe Publique
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is not true. Narcissism can develop from a mix of genetics, upbringing, and life experiences, but it’s not as simple as saying it’s inherited or learned. Someone can grow up with narcissistic parents and not turn out that way themselves, just as someone without narcissistic parents might still develop those traits over time. It’s complicated—like a lot of things in life, it’s shaped by a combination of factors, not just one thing.

    Ron Man
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, it's not. But it sounds like the OP may have some issues with their parents.

    Mike F
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Certainly something they want to attribute to their parents.

    Little Bit
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mother is a narcissist. I've learned from her how not to treat people.

    Anthorn
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To clarify: Narcissism as a TRAIT. Not the personality disorder. People with NPD are NOT automatically bad people.

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    #21

    Three people in a casual discussion, highlighting telltale signs and behaviors. They never tell the truth, gaslight you, use everyone one as an object, no respect of boundaries, think of women as objects for there personal pleasure, maid, chef etc. blame you for everything.

    IntoStarDust , cookie_studio Report

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    Michelle C
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This also goes for women who think of men as subservient to them. God created us with equal value and dignity which doesn’t change based on the roles he created us to play in His universe. I’ve never understood how someone can look at another person and think of them as less-than.

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    #22

    Man in checkered shirt looking frustrated at a laptop, illustrating signs someone was raised in a cave. Entitlement.

    Correct-Jellyfish124 , fabrikasimf Report

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    Betsy S
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nothing wrong with entitlement. We are all entitled to certain things that are our fair share. What becomes a problem is when someone is OVERLY entitled. That means they want more than their fair entitlement. We are all entitled to respect and human dignity. We are all entitled to walk down the street minding our own business. If you are manspreading, or talking too loudly or feeling that you deserve more respect than someone else that's not "entitled". That's OVERLY entitled.

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    #23

    Young woman in sporty attire standing with a bicycle on a forest path, symbolizing signs someone wasn’t raised in a cave. Stealing. I was friend with a girl at 19-20. She was an only child, her parents had both good wages and provided all she needed. She would steal just because she had the opportunity to do so: a bike left with its keys on it (when we left a party), or an iPhone that a drunk person lost. I was so mad at her. Why do you need to steal that instead of just be good to these strangers?? Ffs.

    Reasonable_Drop_7101 , senivpetro Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not necessarily how you were raised. My sister will keep a jumper someone has left on a bus or basketball court (nothing more than 'lost property') but I was raised the same and would never do it. My mum and I have both told her off for it and remind her how sad she is when she has lost something like that but she still thinks it's fine.

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    #24

    Woman covering ears while another woman gestures, illustrating signs of being raised in a cave scenario. They are super passive-aggressive.

    Curious_Inside238 , freepik Report

    #25

    Person sitting comfortably inside a shopping cart, smiling on a sunny day. Raised in a cave theme. Won’t put their shopping cart in the return.

    macts , EyeEm Report

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    Chris the Bobcat
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If someone is returning the girl with the cart above, can I keep her?

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    #26

    A group of professionals in formal attire walking in a modern office corridor. They neither have any boundaries nor will they respect anyone else's.

    GoodieLil2Shoes , syda_productions Report

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    Michelle C
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most likely, if they weren’t raised in sheer entitlement, they experienced child abuse. As such, their boundaries were not respected at all or respected inconsistently, so they learned never to have boundaries or have loose boundaries that authority figures could break anytime.

    #27

    Person eating a donut in front of an open fridge, representing a telltale sign someone was raised in a cave. They think you can just eat all the food in the cupboard without replacing it themselves. god d**n rich pieces of s**t thinking the food comes from the sky.

    TheJuggernautReturns , freepik Report

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    GreatWhiteNorth
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or the opposite, they were raised poor and think everyone owes them a living. I was raised lower middle class. We lived paycheck to paycheck but could still afford food, rent and bills. We were raised to value money and to live with-in our means. I have met so many low wage workers or singles Mother's who constantly cry poor and think the world owes them a living. I am a low wage worker but I budget my money and put some aside for emergencies. I had a neighbor steal the gift cards I received for Christmas and when caught tell me I did not need them because I worked and she was on welfare with a kid. She was serious.

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    #28

    Man with a beard holding a door open, wearing a beige shirt. Not holding open a door for the person right behind you.

    RootHint , Drazen Zigic Report

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    Kabuki Kitsune
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes, you gotta just say "screw it" and let others open the door for themselves, because if there's several people going in or out... you could be there all day holding the door for folks.

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    #29

    Two girls whispering, portraying telltale signs of being socially inexperienced and sheltered. They're anxious that you'll abandon them, or will suddenly hate them one day without explanation.

    Suitable_Being_4584 , EyeEm Report

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    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My partner has abandonment issues. It's heartbreaking, and not at all their fault.

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