Parenting ain't easy. But there's never been more pressure to do it all "right."
Research shows that the barrage of organic, homemade recipes on Pinterest, mommy-shaming, and picture-perfect social media posts we face create deep anxiety and depression in a lot of parents.
No matter what they do, they just don't feel good enough. Which of course, makes it even harder to raise, teach, and nurture their children.
But there's another side to what parents are choosing to share online: It's self-deprecating. It's hilarious. And when it comes down to it, it's damn important because we've all been there.
Let's celebrate these 17 parenting fails we can all relate to.
1. When your kids are definitely not addicted to social media.
My 9YO just asked me detailed Qs about snapchat and tumbler. I think I'm done parenting. Can someone else take over, please? #parentingfail— Ell.P. (@Ell.P.) 1500915799.0
2. When you've set an excellent nutritional example.
4-yr-old: "Mom, do I get dessert? You know, the junk you eat after dinner." Oh, I know kid... #parentingfail #fromthemouthsofbabes #truth— Sarah K. (@Sarah K.) 1501115198.0
3. When you've taught them proper language skills.
4. When you are awesome at assembling toys.
A post shared by Rachel Edwards (@racheljade88) on
5. When you demonstrate sportsmanship.
I handled the first two losses well, but after the third time my son beat me, I yelled "for fuck sake" and made him clean up. #ParentingFail— bethyrue 🍀 (@bethyrue 🍀) 1500763817.0
6. When you're totally prepared and not freaking out.
There are 3 nappies in the house, Tesco are delivering more in 6 hours. #parentingfail #nopooexplosionsplease— Clair Williams (@Clair Williams) 1501053152.0
7. When you never forget the wipes.
A post shared by Claire Wilman (@1sweetmother) on
8. When you teach your kids to love educational films.
I can't believe I've birthed 2 children who want to see the emoji movie. #parentingfail— Meredith (@Meredith) 1501032083.0
9. And learning-based music.
My kids favorite song is something The Rock sings #parentingfail— Pete MacLeod (@Pete MacLeod) 1500928904.0
10. When you only play age appropriate tunes.
6 yr old daughter - "Alexa, play a song about a pony!" Alexa: "Playing 'Pony' by Gynuwine" Me: "Noooooooo! 😯… https://t.co/iGhD358dwF— Shay Holland (@Shay Holland) 1500834800.0
11. When you give them just enough independence.
A post shared by Kimberly Marie (@thetripletdiaries) on
12. When you still remember how to adult too.
You know you've been a parent too long when you order a Sesame Street bagel!! #parentingfail #grownchildren ##missingbertandernie #sunnyday— Kim Kirby (@Kim Kirby) 1500640488.0
13. When you always keep the magic alive.
So the Tooth Fairy forgot to stop by last night 😳does that mean she pays double out tonight? #parentingfail— 👋 (@👋) 1500993602.0
14. When you know how to set boundaries.
"Look, Mommy! I'm wearing your underwear!" is a sentence I hope to go the rest of my life w/o hearing again 😬🤦🏻♀️ #parentingfail #momprobs— rach_bright (@rach_bright) 1501156156.0
15. When you put safety first.
@Don_inFarrhaven this weekend I let my 2y daughter go down the biggest slide solo. Didn't get to the bottom in time… https://t.co/urw2R6KpwE— DWN613 (@DWN613) 1500924484.0
16. When you won't tolerate bad language.
What is the proper response to your 7 year old son telling you, "calm your Tits girl" ???? Laughter probably wasn't it. #parentingFail— KimberlyStiegelbauer (@KimberlyStiegelbauer) 1500950190.0
17. And when you never, ever lose your temper.
"Please stop fighting before I lose my shit." #lastwarning #parenting #parentingfail— Reinventing the Past (@Reinventing the Past) 1501020434.0
Let's give these parents a hand for sharing. These examples aren't pretty, but they're real.
Next time you see something on social media that makes you feel like you're doing it all wrong, just remember: Raising kids is messy. And hard. And though plenty of people will tell you otherwise, there's no right way to do it after all.
Even if there were, where would be the fun in that?