People Call Out Cringe Parenting Methods
Raising a child is a herculean task that takes a lot of planning, foresight, and patience to pull off. You might also need a bit of luck sprinkled in for a good measure. Nobody’s saying being a parent is easy. Most would probably agree that any parent is a superhero. With all of that said, having the power to raise the next generation is risky business. Some parents just can’t seem to get their point across in a normal (or even sensible) way! That didn’t stop them from trying to teach lessons that may end up scaring their children for life.
People are pointing out some of the most embarrassing and cringe parenting methods shared online!
Isn’t This Basically A Crime?
Teaching kiddos the importance of responsibility can take a while. Those lessons and chores aren’t going to teach themselves. In fact, sometimes it may take a little negotiating (or age-appropriate punishment) to drive the lesson home. Of course, you also can’t expect kids to understand things like “responsibility” quickly. That takes time. There are many ways to teach a lesson, we don’t think arson is one of them.
In any other situation, this would be considered the destruction of personal property. We’re not sure about the specifics, but there are charges involved if you do this to an adult. Why introduce something like this “punishment” into your kid’s world? It’s just going to encourage them to set fires later on in life.
Sounds Like An Invitation to Leave
In healthy family units, it’s understood that everyone sticks together. That’s how pack animals do it. That’s how our ancestors did it. That’s also how most of us live our lives and experience them with our families. While that may seem like the norm, it’s not the law of the land. Some people are better off on their own. It’s not malicious, they just value their solidarity. That or they’re super duper young and just want to experience their independence for a little while.
Most younger kids don’t have solid reasons behind some of their actions. Sometimes they just do things for attention. Other times it’s to be left alone to breathe for a while. Either way, it doesn’t seem like kicking them out of the family, even as a joke, is a good way to handle the situation.
It’s Not Like Picking Out Groceries
Thanks to the advances of modern science, people know a whole lot about their babies before they’re even born. From genetic traits to potential illnesses, new parents can be prepared for a newborn in neat ways! Of course, with all the extra tools available, it doesn’t mean they won’t be surprised once the baby arrives. Even with sonograms some parents just aren’t satisfied with how their kid turns out.
While that’s nature and we have to deal with it, that doesn’t stop them from complaining. Even if it’s a joke, talking about giving up your kid because they’re not what you wanted isn’t funny. One quick visit from social services and maybe this parent would get their wish.
This Is 100% Animal Abuse
Fun fact: humans are just another species of animal. Try as you might to deny it, we were just the first ones to climb the food chain and decide to keep all other “lower” creatures as pets. Just because you decide to take in a pet doesn’t mean it instantly has to do everything you say. This is especially true when you’re living with animals that aren’t as easily trainable like dogs and some cats.
This parent wanted to help her kid and her hamster bond. That’s understandable. However, starving the pet until it was docile enough to cuddle and be handled? No. That’s not training or good parenting. That’s animal abuse and a terrible example to set for your kid.
Stop Making Horror Movies Real
The Elf on the Shelf is a creepy Christmas tradition. Parents pretend a doll is secretly alive and then hide it around the house to scare kids into acting good for Santa. That terrifying route to teaching them good behavior isn’t good enough for some families. Others would rather go the extra mile and ruin two holidays at once. This may sound funny, however, think back to when you were really little.
This would make any child develop a phobia of dolls. What lesson was being taught here? That some household items want you dead or petrified for no reason? Maybe this is a way to keep them living at home longer with a parent who doesn’t want them to grow up.
He’s Just Going To Game More
The world is full of hundreds, thousands, and possibly millions of hobbies. Sure, some are more popular than others, but everyone has something they do to unwind. Many people enjoy video games as a form of escapism. It can be fun to log into a virtual world and forget your real life troubles for a bit. But not every parent understands this. Some of them are so anti-video games that they’ll go the extra mile to ruin the fun for everyone.
It’s not enough to get rid of the games. Some parents would rather destroy anything somewhat game-capable to teach a “lesson”. This parent thinks this will deter their son from playing games. No. This is just going to make them want to game harder when they’re on their own. Why do some parents hate fun?
This Wasn’t A Power Struggle
Not everyone has the same appetite. Some kids don’t like the same food as their parents, and children tend to be very picky eaters. All of those statements are true. Of course, some parents don’t want to believe them. Dealing with a picky eater can be frustrating. However, if someone says they’re not hungry or don’t want to eat, maybe don’t force them. Getting kids to eat a balanced and healthy meal can be tough, yes. However, at the end of the day, you can’t force them to eat.
Try as you might, it’s not always going to happen. While there are a ton of ways to handle it, none of it involves force-feeding. What kind of power struggle did this dude think he was in? His son is NINE years old. If you’re threatened by a nine-year-old so badly that they have to throw up to show distress, you’re the problem.
Social Media Is NOT A Medical Professional
Homeopathic cures, family recipes, and cultural elixirs are everywhere. For every peer-reviewed study that medicine has gone through, there are a handful of “cures” that people on social media are trying to push. Anything to keep people healthy and living a “natural life” seems to be a popular topic in online parent groups. Of course, since most of these things are full of crap, you’re bound to be trying something that does absolutely nothing.
If you’re really unlucky, your parent may try something like this. Does urine have some natural bodily cure-all in its composition? No. How do we know? Well, your body got rid of it for a reason. Why would you drink it again on the regular? Did this end with their parent losing custody…or someone going blind?
Did The Church Supervise This?
There are countless ways to raise a child and build a family. Some people turn to tradition. Others turn to lessons they’ve learned from their own families. Others prefer to live by the word of religious texts and institutions. While religion has done a lot of good in this world, it has also turned some people into completely unreasonable and misguided creatures. You don’t have to agree or even like everything your kid is into.
However, once they become an adult, their choices are their own. That didn’t stop this couple from deciding that their faith was more important than their relationship with their daughter. Instead of sitting down and having a grown-up and mature discussion, they opted to disown her entirely! They even put it in writing to make it official!
Are People Still Talking Like This?
It’s almost a tradition nowadays for a father to go hard on their daughter’s first boyfriend. The trope of being the big bear to protect your little girl from a jerk makes sense. But that mostly extends to face-to-face interactions. When you’re meeting the boyfriend or seeing their picture online, that’s different. Not only is everyone on the platform able to read this, but it’s preserved online now as well.
Who talks like this, especially to their kid? Also, what reaction were they trying to get? All she did was defend him. Was the dad testing her loyalty while also making fun of the boyfriend? This dad’s humor doesn’t make much sense.
Stalking Is Never About Love
Walking a fine line between being a parent and a friend is difficult. While you need to be a protector for your kids, you also want them to trust and confide in you. It’s not easy finding a perfect balance. Some parents don’t even try. Others prefer to take their role to an extreme place. This doesn’t sound like some responsible and loving parent.
If anything, this reads like the beginning of some weird stalker. Listen, empty nest syndrome can be tough, but that doesn’t mean this is how you act to avoid it. One of the jobs of a parent means stepping back after a while and letting go.
Darn Those Pesky Fruits And Veggies
Despite the title and cost, fast food is not in any way healthy. No matter how much it claims to have healthier options, nothing beats fresh fruit and vegetables. While it’s sometimes tough to get kids to eat them, a whole bunch of kiddos prefer them to processed snacks! It’s like some weird biological desire to stay healthy or something. Weird.
Unfortunately, with fresh food being costly, sometimes all a parent can offer is something with “happy” in the title. But this post seems to suggest otherwise. Just because you don’t enjoy fresh food doesn’t mean your kid should be denied it! Besides, the recent toys from Mickey Ds haven’t even been collectible-worthy.
Was It A Mommy Dearest Moment?
Being a parent can completely change everything about a person. Moms often find that they experience sudden emotional outbursts from time to time. Even when the stress of raising a kid feels too tough, that’s not enough of an excuse to turn to violence. Channeling your rage into property damage and theatrics also isn’t the best way to relieve yourself of those emotions.
Plus, you can’t just chuckle and call it an off day. There’s no way that kid’s going to forget why they’re getting their Xbox replaced. You can’t just start a new save on your parenting file. Maybe adjusting your temperament setting will help.
You Need A Bigger Sign
Paying respects to our elders, heroes, and national treasures is important for advancing our culture and remembering history. Artistic monuments are also a great way to beautify an area while still remembering those that have come before us. That doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is going to be respectful of the project.
Some of them may even think it’s a modern-looking playground! While this sign is too small, it isn’t the artist’s fault. If anything, these parents need to be called out for being so clueless! Imagine doing this in a cemetery or another somber place. Way to teach your kids to have respect for the deceased.
Hotels Don’t Double As A Daycares
After you have kids it can be tough to find the time to get out. A night out on the town or even a vacation requires too much planning and time. Who’s going to watch the kids when you and mom need to go out for a night or a weekend away? Some parents don’t let a little thing like childcare stop them from having fun!
When grown-ups want to party everyone gets a chance to raise the roof. Just grab a couple of hotel rooms, give the kids a card, and then go do your thing! That’s a great way to show responsibility and critical thinking. We’re sure the hotel staff loves getting calls about kids treating a bedroom like a jungle gym.
A Merry Unbirthday To Him!
Children are a willful, independent, and often out-spoken group of people. It can either be seen as a blessing or a curse depending on what your parenting style may be. Not all parents can handle those special ages where kids just don’t want to listen to anything! While they’re trying to figure themselves out, their parents are busy finding new homes for their birthday toys.
This appears to be a rather vindictive response to something as natural as acting out from time to time. Not only are they getting rid of the gifts, but they’re making him watch. That’s some horror movie type of punishment. Perhaps they’re trying to raise a supervillain and want him to have a great origin story.
It’s Not Exactly That Simple
Despite being raised in a specific belief system, most public school kids receive a public education that explains life from a scientific lens. While not always done in the most relatable words, teachers do their best to answer some of the most unanswerable questions. It can be tough to figure out which age to start teaching certain subjects. This requires some planning, but here is something to say about the parent’s reaction here.
Someone should probably explain she didn’t come from a monkey. That’s something that happened hundreds of thousands of years ago. It’s not really something we have a say in. It’s just kind of the scientific truth. Plus, not everyone shares the same belief system. You can’t expect every kid to be raised the same way as your own.
That’s Not Legal Anywhere Ma’am
Know anyone that was a “late bloomer”? Maybe they didn’t feel like dating in their teens or even have that many friends. They weren’t weird or anything, but just a bit quieter than others. That’s fine. Not everyone wants or needs to look for love or even some flirty fun during those years. That doesn’t always sit well with certain parents.
Some may even start worrying that they’re not blooming fast enough! This mom probably thought she was helping. At least, giving her the benefit of the doubt is a bit less creepy. That doesn’t mean this request is normal by any means. Maybe encourage them to explore a hobby. That seems better than randomly pimping them out on social media.
Go To Your Room Right Now
Don’t you hate it when you mildly inconvenience someone? Maybe you do something as big as starting an entire worldwide pandemic just by going out and partying. If that sounds ridiculous then perhaps you’re not this person’s mom. They have it in their head that their kid staying out late is the reason everyone got grounded for almost two and a half years!
If that’s the case then staying in should be the least of this person’s problems. Since they’re not responsible, maybe their parents need to get out a bit more. That may help them calm down and realize not everyone needs to stay inside.
That’s Not Scientology, Just Science
Hate to break it to everyone, but we’re animals. Human beings are another type of animal. That’s because we’re closer related to other mammals than we are to plants, fungi, and single-celled organisms. It makes things simpler to classify and is widely accepted as a standard foundation of science. Even if you don’t fully accept the scientific way of thinking, don’t assume it’s from a religion with a vaguely similar name.
We’re almost 100% certain Scientology isn’t being taught in a majority of schools around the world. Science is a bit different and a very non-religious thing. We get it. Sometimes words can be confusing.
Whose Baby Is It Anyway?
It’s a special time in every parent’s life when their kids start having babies of their own. That ascendance into grandparenthood can be extremely special to people. A few of them may even think it means they’re parents all over again! It would seem this grandmother-to-be is about to watch her daughter give birth to her own baby! The daughter is just the one dealing with all the pregnancy woes.
Grandma though? She’s thrilled to have another kid in the house! It would seem she’s ready to do everything all over again. Someone should probably have a sit-down and explain who the parents are and who the grandparents will be. She doesn’t seem ready to accept that idea.
Love Can Be Expressed In Weird Ways
Long after our kids move out to start their lives on their own, we want them to know we’re still thinking about them. Our babies will always be close to our hearts. Sometimes we just want to express it in a special way. Why not surprise your kiddos by resetting their favorite shows and movies?
It’s like when they were kids and you’d scare them during the scariest part of a film! Only this time you get to completely annoy them with the click of a button! Who said parents weren’t always fun and hip with the pranks? This will certainly end well and strengthen y’alls bond. That or it’ll lead to some passwords being changed.
The Genius Bar Was Stumped
These days it’s becoming common to see school-age kids with laptops and virtual classrooms. As the world evolves and adapts, so do the ways people communicate and learn. Even the old-fashioned passing of notes in class has gotten a digital upgrade in recent years. We’ve all flirted with classmates from time to time. When we were younger it was innocent fun.
Not every parent agrees with mixing fleeting romance and our education. A few even get way too overprotective about it. What type of support ticket would you open for this type of repair? Does the school have overprotective parent meltdown coverage on these things?
Does Mom Want A Wig?
A majority of parents are willing to do anything for the sake of their offspring. While it may take a while, eventually, many kids would probably say they’d do the same for their mom or dad. It’s a unique bond that’s pretty hard to explain or replicate anywhere on the planet. Some parents even want to test that bond just to be sure their kids are as committed to it as they are.
If your parent randomly asked you this, what would you say? With advances in wig-making and the rise in their popularity, wouldn’t that be easier? What kind of magical rapunzel hair does this person have that their mom wants? There’s an eye-opening Disney movie about this very thing.
Tit For Tat And All That
Holding a grudge is a petty thing to do. While it may satisfy some deep and primal urge in us, it’s often best to let bygones be bygones and leave the past alone. Not everyone can move on from certain events. Instead, they let those grudges grow into completely ridiculous behaviors.
Shouldn’t a parent be doing the exact opposite in this situation? Could you even begin to think of how ridiculous this person must feel? A parent held on to a grudge from their kid’s angsty years. It got so bad they decided to give them the silent treatment in their adulthood. Talk about being a petty parent!
Bedtime Is Now Or Never
Kids need sleep to grow big and strong. But most of them won’t understand or even care about that. Some want to stay up as late as they can to do whatever they want. It’s all part of growing up. No matter how annoying it can be, some good advice is not to go from 0 to 100 like this.
Usually, kids are the ones doing the name-calling. An adult should know better than that. Besides, if they’re not coming home before she got upset they surely aren’t now. Who wants to go back home to a parent who talks like that? We sure wouldn’t.
This Is An M. Night Shyamalan Movie
People need to remember that most movies are based on works of fiction. The closest type of community that fits this parent’s expectations would probably be the Quakers. Even then, they know there’s an outside world that lives differently than they do. This person seems to want to completely alter their kid’s perception of reality. What’s the purpose?
This sounds like some weird Truman Show experiment set in the worst pre-tech timeline. Why would you want to try to raise your kid with fewer amenities than you have? Is this for some sort of social media experiment? There’s no possible way this doesn’t end in some twisted Netflix documentary.
Guns Are Not Toys
Why do some parents love to show off their stupidity? “Hey, look at the last photos I took of my kid before they shot themself!” That’s exactly what this photo is saying. Regardless of how you feel about guns, we can all agree babies don’t need to be armed. Their thumbs are too weak and those things are super dangerous.
What’s equally as concerning are the people who are reacting with likes and hearts. How far into the Twilight Zone have these people traveled? Maybe it’s just a creatively painted gun…but that doesn’t make it any better. This person needs to learn to edit before hitting submit.
That’s Not Very Good Parenting
We all have little tips and tricks for staying young and looking youthful. Most of us have also experienced some trauma in our lives. Those two things should rarely ever cross. When that happens, you end up rubbing diapers on your infant’s face to fix acne. Just because something was done to you as a kid doesn’t mean you do that to your child.
It’s okay to break the cycle and end some traditions. This one would probably get you reported to CPS or some other competent adult. What will your kid say later in life when you tell them? Are they going to be cool with this?
Don’t Do This Under Any Circumstances
Please don’t ever smoke near a baby. Smoking’s already bad enough for the smoker. Don’t involve an innocent and developmentally fragile person like a baby in that. They still have growing to do. If there were some sort of magical smoke that could cure colic, it doesn’t come from Marlboro. It also doesn’t need to be breathed onto their fragile faces.
Just because it’s a rumor doesn’t mean it’s true. This is also why medical school is so expensive. You need to be committed to science. You can’t be committed to nonsense. That leads to things like this going viral. If an M.D. endorses this they need to log out and hit the books again.
All This Over Homework?
Adopting and taking care of a pet is a lot of work. Most kiddos and adults probably don’t realize it. Pets aren’t objects. They’re living creatures that need love, support, and communal bonds to survive in this world. When parents begrudgingly get an animal for the family, they probably don’t want the kid to feel sad by saying no.
That still isn’t an excuse to drop your four-legged friend off at a shelter whenever your kid acts out. Punishing a child by ripping their family friend away isn’t just spiteful, it’s damaging. Not only is this dog going to feel rejected and have issues to work through, but your kid isn’t going to want to do their homework, either.
An Abusive Overreaction To A Small Problem
Parents and kids don’t always share the same interests. That may be a shocker to some, but it’s true. While it may be confusing for some, supporting your kid’s hobbies and passions can lead to them having a more balanced mental health and encourages them to pursue their dreams. Some parents just don’t get it. They also may not like what their kid is into.
Yeah, some activities aren’t great (like stuff that breaks the law or hurts others). But things like drawing on a tablet seem pretty tame. Instead of setting limits, this parent seems to have found a way to stop that nasty drawing habit in its tracks: destroying expensive property because an alarm was missed.
Is This That Big Of A Deal?
Raising boys can be tough. Raising girls can be tough. Raising any living being can be tough. When it comes to the bathroom, different people use it in different ways. Yes, sometimes lifting the seat to pee is easier. It should also be put back down (because that’s considerate). However, does leaving the seat up imply someone is on drugs? That seems a bit much. It also seems like a massive reach to imply avoiding peeing on the rim indicates drug use.
If that’s the case, then a lot of people would be getting tested. That, or, more homes would come with urinals. Does it seem like this parent is using their kid’s bathroom decisions to punish them for an average grade? Someone’s math isn’t lining up here, and we don’t think it’s ours.
How To Give Your Kids A Bad Relationship With Food
Some families have certain dietary customs and restrictions. That’s normal. For whatever reason, families have different takes and choices on food. However, once a kid becomes an adult, they should be able to decide what, how much, and when they eat. Some parents think this is a foreign concept. This parent went above and beyond with the idea that she still controls her adult daughter’s meals.
Just like everyone’s favorite trash-diving mammal, she pulled a raccoon and dumpster dove just to criticize what was eaten in the PAST! 1) That’s not normal. 2) That’s super unsanitary. 3) It’s not anyone’s call what you put in your body. Just because a parent doesn’t like their body doesn’t mean they get to police someone else’s.
Children Deserve Privacy, Too
Parents should definitely be involved in their kids’ lives. That should probably go without saying. However, you also have to remember that children are still people. All people deserve privacy. Even small things like being able to close your own bedroom door for alone time are super important to a kid’s well-being. It teaches boundaries and that it’s okay to have your own space.
Some parents don’t get it. Instead, they dictate that only adults get privacy and that parents are nothing more than authoritarian figures. Those things never seem to work out well. By the time the kiddos manage to move out, they may do more than crave privacy. They may end up cutting out mom or dad (or both) altogether.
Please Don’t Force Your Beliefs On Your Kids Like This
The debate over the effectiveness of essential oils is both ongoing and exhausting. Whatever people choose to believe or put on themselves should be their own. When your kids aren’t into it then maybe you should back off. If they prefer clinically proven and doctor-recommended medicines over random oils that smell good, maybe just let them be.
Disagreeing over something like this is fine. However, things turn into dangerous territory when parents start putting potentially dangerous chemicals in their kid’s food. What happens if they have an allergic reaction?! What makes it all worse is that the parent is questioning if the oils could change their kiddo’s body chemistry…after they’ve been drugging them without their knowledge.
We Bet Her Daughter Despises Her
Quick, how many four-year-olds can you think of that have never copped an attitude, thrown a tantrum, or been somewhat stubborn? None. Exactly. What parents don’t seem to grasp is just because “they used to be” that age doesn’t mean they know what their kid is going through. When we’re little we’re not totally in charge of our actions and responses. That’s mostly because we lack critical thinking.
Especially at four years old, when a kid is acting out, the punishment (or solution) should fit the tantrum. Auctioning off every toy a kid has, and bringing up the threat every so often, isn’t wise. It’s basically keeping your kids in a constant state of fear. When your kid grows up and moves out, what will this parent threaten them with?
This Is Beyond Tough Love
Tough love comes in many different shapes and sizes. Most true acts of it come from the right place where no harm is being done (but a lesson is being taught). Something like this is psychological abuse and is much worse than being tough. There’s also absolutely no love in taking away basic necessities for anyone (not just a child) to live.
Then, since this person is being a monster, they bragged about it and told people not to criticize her for her actions. Moments and decisions like this will just reinforce to this kid that true love has no place in a “family” that does something like this. Hopefully, they’re in a safer place now with an extra-comfy bed.
Do Not Tattoo Your 5-Year-Old!
Please read the image before continuing. Okay, deep breath. Ready? Let’s dive in. NEVER TATTOO YOUR BABY. Babies don’t need tattoos. As cool as you think they are. No matter their purpose or meaning, no infant, toddler, adolescent, or anyone other than a consenting and rationally-minded adult should be getting inked. The fact that a parent is comfortable with taking their child to get jabbed with permanent ink on their still-developing bodies is rage-inducing.
What makes this even more horrifying (if it isn’t a sick joke) is how blissfully careless they seem to be of the whole affair. While nobody should tell you how to raise your kid, this isn’t one of those cases. The court of public opinion should, and probably did, rule against the parent here. Hopefully, no tattoo parlor in a million-mile/kilometer radius allowed something this heinous to occur.
Death Shouldn’t Be A Part Of Your Kid’s Life Lessons
There’s nothing wrong with teaching your children about your faith. Many kids grow up in a household that practices a certain religion, as long as the parents respect and love their children then everything is totally kosher. However, things can go awry when the parent puts their faith before their child’s happiness. This definitely doesn’t sound like a good lesson to teach kids.
The part about dying…yeesh. That’s seriously overboard and not the kind of thing that should be told to a child, or anyone for that matter. Sounds like this person really isn’t cut out to be raising kids. We hope their children ignore this super-toxic message.