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Whoever Raised These 42 Parents Should Probably Ask For A Refund
Parenting,LifestyleSEP 5, 2026

Whoever Raised These 42 Parents Should Probably Ask For A Refund

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Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and it’s impossible to be perfect at it. No matter how much you love your children, there will be days when you accidentally drop them off at school wearing two different pairs of shoes or make them instant noodles for dinner because you just don’t have the energy to cook. No parent deserves to be crucified for these moments. 
But there are some things that moms and dads definitely do deserve to be shamed for. We visited a community on Reddit that is dedicated to calling out the most questionable decisions that parents have ever made. From giving a baby a cell phone to putting a child on a motorcycle without a helmet, it’s clear that Mom and Dad don’t always know best. Good luck making it through this list without wanting to call child protective services, pandas, and be sure to upvote the pics that you find most appalling!

#21 Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago

A review complains about a child trying to pet a zebra at a zoo, demonstrating a parent's wrong way to solve a problem.
19points

If you’ve never felt the desire to become a parent, that’s perfectly fine. In fact, it’s great that you recognized that in yourself before making a huge mistake. Nowadays, people are becoming much more vocal about their choice to remain childfree, and slowly but surely, society is placing less pressure on adults to start a family. Many people believe that it’s better to regret not having kids than to regret bringing a child into the world. So if you’re confident in your choice not to become a parent, know that you’re not alone!  

#22 Way To Get Your Kid To Hate You In The Future

A mum gives her son an old man haircut to keep him home during the pandemic, a parent's wrong way to solve a problem.
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18points

#23 I’m Not Good With Titles

Reddit post by a parent describing their spoiled brother, highlighting a wrong way to solve a problem with parenting.
15points

#24 On A Post Calling Parents That Don’t Get Their Kids To Believe In Santa “Sad”

A Reddit thread discussing how parents solve problems by threatening to cancel a family holiday.
13points

What do you think of the photos featured on this list, pandas? While they are amusing, some might make you worry for the children involved in these situations. Keep upvoting the pics that you find most appalling, and let us know in the comments below how you feel about these parents’ questionable choices. Then, if you’re interested in reading another article from Bored Panda featuring parents who could use a reality check, we recommend checking out this one next! 

#25 They Really Are Having Kids Just For The Content

An email from a visibly pregnant parent traveling with a toddler, potentially a wrong way to solve a problem.
13points

#26 Why?! ( Found This On A Facebook Group Page )

Text reads, Seeking an individual to do some facial piercings for my daughter who is 13, highlighting poor parental choices.
13points

#27 Parents Are Asking For Tips At Kids' Birthday Parties Now

A newspaper headline about parents divided over a birthday party trend of asking guests to tip. Some parents solve problems this way.
12points

#28 And How Did You Lose Your Kid Again?

A small child climbs inside a claw machine, a parent's wrong way to solve a problem.
12points

#29 I'm Pretty Sure You Aren't Supposed To Do This. At Least She Had A Helmet On

A parent and child ride a motorcycle, showcasing a wrong way to solve a transportation problem.
11points

#30 Do Not Have A Baby

Two baby onesies and wristbands with instructions for parents not to vaccinate or give eye ointment.
10points

#31 Wait Until She Learns About "Real World" Office Jobs

A meme discussing a homeschooling stereotype. It is one of many ways parents solve problems with education.
9points

#32 7yo Gets Bullied At School For Sitting In A Car Seat, So Mom Waits Until He's Asleep, Takes A Photo Of Him, And Posts It On The Official Parents Magazine Instagram Page (855k Followers)

A 7-year-old child in a baby seat in the car, a problem for parents concerned about teasing.
9points

#33 He Really Said 'Permanent Decisions, Temporary Feelings'

A tattoo on a man's back reads I HATE MY KID'S MOM'S, depicting a parent's wrong way to express feelings.
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8points

#34 In Honor Of Tax Season

Messages about parents giving wrong tax advice to their child.
8points

#35 You Do Know There's Such A Thing As "In Moderation", Right?

A parent's strict approach to kids' diet: no junk food. It is one way parents solve problems.
6points

#36 Parent Going To The Extreme To Teach Kids A Lesson?

A woman in a leopard-print suit vacuuming, while two children watch. This is how parents solve problems by encouraging kids to clean.
5points

#37 Just Living The Jream

Fastest rising girl names in the US, an example of parents choices.
5points

#38 Dumb And Useless Parents Risking Their Child’s Safety On The Road

Parents on a scooter with a baby, highlighting a wrong way to solve a problem with child safety.
4points

#39 Had To Take A Picture Before I Called The Cops

A small child stuck between deck railings, demonstrating a parent's wrong way to ensure safety.
3points

#40 Spell Checking Your Child's Diary For Linkedin Points

Facebook post by a parent, humorously describing a wrong way to solve a childs spelling and language problem.
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2points
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