20 photos that show that most parents are just winging it
There’s no parenting textbook that works for everyone.
Sure, there are so-called “experts” but they don’t know your situation.
Parenting is messy, frustrating, and occasionally defeating – and that’s just when you’re doing it right.
These parents are doing the best they can – even if it doesn’t look like a moment for the scrapbook:
1. Diaper cream, not just for your bum!
It’s amazing what kids can accomplish in 45 seconds when you look away, but it’s nearly always destructive.
This could be worse – it’s just diaper cream. She’s practicing her face-masking skills. Those will come in handy, so just roll with it.
2. Looks good
Swaddling is an art. So is wrapping a burrito.
Why not combine them?
3. No drawer unused
Who says that drawer isn’t for babies?
Show us where that rule is!
Dad might get more points if he wasn’t playing a video game, but we all do our self-care in different ways.
4. Nap whenever possible
Sleep when the baby sleeps – even when that’s in a public park in broad daylight.
The worst that can happen is someone gets a photo and you become a hero to every parent.
5. No escape
Hey, sometimes you just need to use the bathroom and they can’t be contained.
Babies can crawl out of anything, but they can’t untie knots!
6. The day the music died
It’s all going to be fine.
In 45 years, you’ll have your playlist back. By then you might have your sanity too.
7. Don’t cry over spilt milk
Think of it as refusing to waste food, not enjoying floor food.
You’re not a bad parent, you’re engaging in “sustainable parenting.”
8. Screen time won’t kill anyone
There’s no glory in risking your sanity just so your child never sees a screen.
We do admire parents that keep screen time to a minimum – it’s admirable. But your trophy is not arriving in the mail any time soon.
9. Kodak moment
Let’s face it, this is realistic in that it’s basically a metaphor for trying to be your best self as a parent.
We all drop the ball every now and again.
10. Torture training
You don’t want to teach your kids the harsh realities of the world too early.
But if they happen to toughen up by getting past the “Lego impalement” portion of childhood on their own, is it really that bad?
11. Prepping for that yoga pants lifestyle
A lot of things aren’t pants, but that doesn’t stop being from trying to wear them as such!
This little one left her skirt at home and dad didn’t notice. But at least she was covered.
12. Sibling sitters
The best thing about having two kids is that one can potentially babysit the other – for free!
The problem is that you get what you pay for. But sometimes that’s perfectly fine.
My six year old daughter is great at multitasking. from r/pics
13. Bellies are beds
The baby is asleep, dad is doing what he needs to do – where’s the harm?
Are you going to find this in a parenting textbook? No.
Then again, is anyone that perfect?
14. Eh, could be worse
Technically, the toilet water is clean. It’s the toilet bowl that’s the problem.
But until you’re ready to give that second bath, you have time to grab the camera.
15. Toddler Fall Collection 2020
Pick your battles. Arguing with a toddler over her outfit is always a losing battle.
Just rejoice in the fact that you’ve raised a child willing to be creative with her sartorial choices.
Frankly, she looks amazing.
My daughter has been picking her own clothes and watching her big brother get on the bus. from r/funny
16. Bubble bath blowout
Be careful what you use as bubble bath.
Or just plan to have it cleaned up by the time your partner gets home so you can show them the pic without any of the consequences.
My daughter has been picking her own clothes and watching her big brother get on the bus. from r/funny
17. Ready for takeoff
You gotta love the look on this dad’s face when he sees his kid accidentally empty a water bottle all over himself before take-off.
On the bright side, at least no one is having fun.
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18. Day 1, mistake 1
Get at least one of those mistakes out of the way before you take the kid home.
At least there will be people around to tell you it’s just the first among many.
19. Anything is a bed if you’re tired enough
Just let ’em sleep. And enjoy it while it lasts.
My daughter makes beds in random places. Found her asleep in a Costco tote/container. from r/aww
20. Hey, new plate!
Well, it’s not stealing if you didn’t know your kid was being a smart alec.
And we could all use some new place settings!
Asked my son to box up his leftover mac and cheese at the restaurant and he put the entire bowl in there and I’m not sure if he’s an idiot or a genius. pic.twitter.com/3EVFt9xkqK
— The Dad (@thedad) February 27, 2018
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Hey, no one said it would be easy.
Then again, no one was honest about it being so hard.
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