A problem that 'Insane Parents' members face is that they are sometimes accused of faking their posts.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the sub is that the stories told rely on screenshots (often text messages between parent and child).
This leads to a strange dynamic where posters not only have to "prove" their experiences, but their struggles are also gamified into small, digestible pieces, the most surprising of which get upvoted.
Speaking to VICE over Reddit messages, the moderators of 'Insane Parents' said the high number of screenshots is simply a consequence of the fact that a lot of communication now takes place via text
"As such, there is more opportunity to display insane parenthood with a screenshot," they explained. "It's the easiest thing to post."
#6 I Synced My Calendar With My Mum And Forgot I Have My Birth Control Implant Replacement Date Marked 3 Years From Now. She Saw It And Texted Me This While I Was At Work. I’m 20
#7 My Friend Hasn't Spoken To His Mother In Months. She Finds Out He's Living With His Girlfriend. He Also Shares Some Exciting News
#8 On A Post About Another Parent Selling Her Kid's TV Because She "Can't Act Right"
#9 My Parents Did Not Like Me Going Out To Get A Vaccine. Came Back To This
Despite a few negative messages from trolls and the occasional request to prove the screenshots weren't faked, many users think the subreddit is incredibly understanding, with most people helping to validate their feelings.
"Our sub is first and foremost a support sub," the moderators said.
They believe the community is a place where teenagers can come and "know that the abuse they've suffered is not a normal experience".
#12 This Woman Constantly Photoshops Her Daughter’s Body To Look Like This. She’s E I G H T
The good news is that when KidsHealth.org and TIME for Kids surveyed over 9,000 kids ages 8 to 14, 67% said they get along well, or pretty well, with their parents. And that's not all. 85% of them said they have fun with their parents, and 79% said they feel close to their parents.
#14 (15f) Parents Took My Antidepressants Because I Slept Through My Alarms... I Don't Even Know What To Do Anymore
#15 My Mom's Response When I Came Out To Her. Haven’t Talked To Them For Two Weeks Now
#16 I Took My Clothes Off While I Was In The Shower And After I Came Out, I Saw That My Father Had Went Into My Room And Taken A Picture Of My Panties And Sent It To My Mother Without My Consent. I'm 20. I Can Clean Up After Myself. I Did It Immediately As I Stepped Out Of The Shower. Wtf
Furthermore, even if children get into an argument with a parent, it's not like they immediately mess up their relationship. Most kids — more than 60% — said they usually take a little time and eventually things go back to normal. Some kids said that they make up quickly (28% of younger kids and 18% of older kids.)
It’s great if you can forgive (and be forgiven) quickly and settle things within the family and without the need to search for support on the internet.
#20 Parents Starve 6 Year Old To Death By Keeping Him Inside A Closet For A Month
