Parenting, while being one of the most rewarding journeys to embark on, isn’t always the easiest. In fact, parents can gladly confide in one another that the struggles are real – and shared! Not always do we like to divulge this information though, for fear of looking like a bad parent. But rest assured, you’re not alone. Here are twenty photos proving that parenthood is allowed to be messy sometimes.

1) Living on Two Hours of Sleep

Malfunctions easily occur when we don’t get enough sleep, but with a kid you have to take it when you can get it. These two parents are casually getting their own nap in before round two.

2) The Laptop Is Ok

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The baby may have taken a spill but the computer is working fine!

3) Running Amuck

Your kid is your pride and joy! Even when they run amuck, in the muck.

4) The Kids Are Alright

Forget what you remember about dining out, a kid is sure to do a backflip right over those old ways.

5) Gone Fishing

Some dads may dream of the day they can take their kid fishing and show them the beauty of the great outdoors. Perhaps this wasn’t exactly what they had in mind.

6) Self-Care

By now we all know how important simple acts of self-care can be. A little goes a long way. This baby caught on early, except her solution was misguided with diaper cream.

7) Best of Both Worlds

Yes, as a parent you can in fact have your cake and eat it too. This proud dad has got this process finely tuned!

8) Just Give Up

No big deal, mom’s Ipad has just been disabled for around 45 years! What would we do without them?

9) Two-Second Rule

That applies to liquids too, right? No use in crying over spilt milk.

10) A Clue, A Clue!

This kid may be napping, but time-out is just around the river bend.

11) Fruit-Scented Face-Mask

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This mom bought her kids some fruit-scented markers, had a disaster and put them away. A couple of years later the markers resurfaced, proving that there will never be a good time for them.

12) Paint Party

It only takes a toddler five seconds to get into trouble. But look what can happen in two!

13) Caught Orange-Handed

This mother found her son up at 3am watching cartoons and living the dream.

14) Upside Down

There’s nothing like shooting a few nice family photos to document and share. But does anyone ever mention the outtakes?

15) No Time To Waste

This kid has it all figured out! Why bother with one straw when you can use five?

16) Past the Point of No Return

This look speaks entirely for itself. A small villain has been born.

17) The Face of a Future Villain

The last kid isn’t alone. Sometimes the goal of life is to make the biggest mess possible.

18) Nailed It!

Nothing like getting ready for a nice, warm bath. Unless that nice, warm bath is overflowing with bubbles into the next room!

19) Hide and Seek

While not the most sanitary spot for a game, it’s definitely one of the most adorable.

20) Water is Water

And while we’re on the subject, toilets aren’t just for hiding, they’re also for bathing! Nothing says getting clean like a good scrub down in the loo.

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Sources: Shareably