Most parents want to do a good job raising their children, but not all succeed. According to a survey by the UK non-profit family support organization Home-Start, 67% of parents say that being called a “bad parent” is the worst criticism they could receive. 74% said they wanted to be recognized as “good parents,” and 37% claimed they feel the pressure to be the “perfect parent.”
What makes one a bad parent? Is it as simple as a lack of hugs or playtime? Most people have their answers, and in a recent online thread, many adults shared theirs. When user u/malizelen asked, “What screams “I’m a bad parent?” hundreds of people had their answers ready. Whether from personal experience or from observing others’ parents, folks listed the no-nos mothers and fathers should stop doing if they want a good relationship with their children in the future.
#21
A toddler in nothing but a dirty diaper walking around with a bottle full of soda.
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17points
#22
Constantly making comments about how you should look. My mom and I went to a restaurant to celebrate the fact i had passed my exams with pretty good grades, but while we were walking she just kept making comments about how i didnt comb the back of my hair, how my hands were in my pockets how I walked like I was "going to work". Honestly made me feel insecure about how i looked.
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17points
#24
The kid(s) have no manners, no boundaries, and/or any idea that screaming all the time is unacceptable.
17points
#26
“I’ll give you something to really cry about”
ETA: and I’m only a little old. It’s more common than you’d think.
ETA: and I’m only a little old. It’s more common than you’d think.
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16points
#27
Using your kids social & driving their credit into the ground.
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15points
#28
When the kids would rather deal with injuries and accidents on their own instead of asking their parents for help.
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15points
#29
Unrestricted technology. I know a lot of people don’t wanna be helicopter parents, but I work in children’s mental healthcare and just the other day I sat in a long presentation about how u should give ur toddler under 3 y/o a cigarette before you give them a tablet because the long-term effect of one cigarette at that age is better than screen time everyday which is why it’s not recommended for any child under 3. Really changes how u think when u see these kids who can’t function without a screen day in and day out.
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15points
#31
Making your child feel responsible for managing your emotions. If your child is sad/upset/anxious and you can’t regulate your emotions to help support them.
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14points
#32
When a guy's wife manages every aspect of parenting and she barely gets time for herself.
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14points
#33
When you think your kids are your property instead of humans who are in your care temporarily until they are able to care for themselves as adults.
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14points
#34
Belt welts on your child. I grew up with a father who hated his children. Once my mom divorced him we never spoke again.
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14points
#35
Coming to the rated R hardcore horror film with your 7 year old.
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14points
#37
"I dont understand why NONE of my kids talk to me"....
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12points
#38
Never admitting you were wrong and apologizing for said transgressions. That will lose respect really quickly.
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12points
#39
When ALL of your kids have been to prison or jail.
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11points
#40
Not following car seat guidelines/car safety basics. Kids out of car seats way too early…kids not in booster seats…kids in the front seat. Just buckle your kids properly.
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11points