#3 This Has Probably Been Posted Before But It Makes Me Laugh Every Time I See It
The Internet and social media made some aspects of parenting easier. You can find and book afterschool activities for your kids more easily than ever before. There are heaps of teaching materials and tutorials: from breastfeeding to introducing solids, from how to effectively clean a high chair to what's the best water bottle on the market.
It seems that as much of our everyday communication, including with relatives, colleagues, and even friends, has moved to online spaces, it should be easier than ever to join a parenting group that can provide moms with emotional and practical support. However, joining them is the easiest part of the job; finding parents whose views and values align with yours might be more difficult.
This list highlights the ridiculousness that can be found in parenting communities online. However, some of them are quite helpful for parents. In fact, in 2025, the Pew Research Center asked parents about their use of online communities; many said they found good advice and reassurance.
The r/Parenting subreddit was especially popular among the surveyed parents, with many expressing that the community is far from toxic. In fact, many saw it as an exception to the "never read the comments" rule online. In r/Parenting, the comment section is "overwhelmingly positive," and even posts that express negative emotions receive a lot of support.
#8 Spank Your Kid Because They Have Accidents, With Bonus Ignoring Medical Professionals
Interestingly, mothers look for support in parenting online more often than fathers. Pew found that 42% of moms regularly visit online spaces where they can discuss parenting and ask for advice. In turn, only 22% of fathers said the same. 34% of parents overall visit places like r/Parenting at least monthly. Newer parents are also most likely to visit such online communities. After all, it's when parents feel most vulnerable and trust those with more experience who can offer unbiased opinions.
#12 Couldn't Decide If This Deserved The Unfathomable Stupidity Or Vaccine Flair
Even if parenting online spaces aren't as toxic as the ones on this list, some parents still have mixed feelings about them. While it's true that the majority end up feeling more informed about parenting and feel closer to other parents and even their partners, many start to worry about their parenting abilities. 38% of the respondents in the Pew survey said they feel overwhelmed by the amount of information they need to know, leading to them feeling inadequate as parents.
Each story or question that a parent posts online is unique and personal, but there are certain topics that get covered more often than others. The most popular one, at least on r/Parenting, is how parents divide childcare and household duties. Another topic that parents seek advice on a lot is children's use of technology and screen time.
Video games are a concern too, as many parents ask about their kids playing Roblox or Minecraft. Finances are a popular topic as well, with threads about the affordability of school tuition, rent, mortgages, whether families can afford one stay-at-home parent, and so on.
#18 On The Screen At My Doctor's Office - Too Bad They'll Never See It
While communities like r/Parenting are mostly supportive, other online groups can be less welcoming. This can also be true for real-life mom groups. As Miami-based therapist Dr. Christie Ferrari explained to The Independent, insecurities and internalized misogyny lead to mom groups becoming policed environments.
Women are socialized to be "pleasant, peaceful and to avoid open conflict to maintain our appearances," Dr. Ferrari says. So, when the moment to communicate and resolve conflicts comes, many women are ill-equipped.
