Whoever said that parenting was easy was a downright liar. Sure, it's rewarding to see your little ones grow up to become good members of society, but getting there is tough. Yep, it's totally normal for children and parents alike to make mistakes along the way. Luckily for us, the internet is a place for sharing, and this list of hilarious parenting fails will probably make you feel better about your own experiences.
Good Thing the Professional Photographer Was There to Permanently Capture This Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
From pushing them down a slide 150 times to tickling their feet for 30 minutes straight, every parent will know the struggle of a child who clocks onto something they enjoy. Before too long, they want to do it again and again (and again), and these parents realized that for themselves when it came to swinging their 3-year-old child between them. And this was all well and good until the dad's hands got a little clammy.
The end result was one that involved a child landing head-first into a bush and some unimpressed onlookers. But the kid's still standing today, so no harm no foul, right?
They All Look the Same Once They're in Soccer Uniforms
Let's be honest; parenting is all about trial and error. It's impossible to know exactly what to do in each situation, and it's only natural to make mistakes. This parent realized that for themselves when they decided to show some support for their kid's extracurricular activities. While they were more than willing to watch their son play soccer, cheering from the sidelines wasn't as easy as they thought. Especially as all the kids looked the same.
Even the most doting parents can't pick their kid out of a group of small boys and long shorts, but at least they tried, right? That's got to count for something.
Santa, What Are You Doing?!
When mom told him to wear his new Christmas sweater to school, she hadn't noticed that Santa was being a bit... naughty (look closely at Santa and you'll see what we mean(. Needless to say, Santa peeing is exactly the kind of thing that would disrupt an elementary school class into endless laughter and conversations. This mom only realized her mistake when she picked up her son from school, and the teacher pointed it out.
This might be a fail, but it's also super iconic and we'd keep that sweater for the rest of our lives. It's really the perfect look for an Ugly Christmas Sweater party.
First Airplane Ride off to a Great Start
You probably don't need us to tell you that traveling with a child is tough. From ear-popping to boredom, parents often have to resort to desperate measures to keep their kids happy on a plane. And on this occasion, this kid obviously wanted to play with a giant bottle of water - and so their parents let them! They assumed that nothing could go wrong until their kid decided to unscrew the lid and cover themselves in water.
Amazingly, this hilarious parenting fail was caught on camera. But we can't help but think that these parents didn't think it to be funny when their already-moody toddler got even more upset.
Thank Goodness for the Soft Landing
The world is a pretty scary place, especially for families. Many parents want to cover their kids in bubble wrap and keep them safe from the world, but sometimes it's better to show kids what life is really like. And during this epic parenting fail, this kid learned that horses can be pretty dangerous. Yes, even horses as cute as small Shetland ponies! But it seems as though that wasn't all they learned.
This kid also learned that if you're going to do something dangerous, you should always try and be near a soft landing. The pond saved their life when they were bucked off a horse, anyway.
That Time Mom Got Picture Day and Pajama Day Confused
School photo day is a day that most parents dread. After all, it's certainly possible to make sure that your child looks presentable on the morning of school photo day, but it's impossible to ensure that they stay presentable until that photo is taken. With a few hours to spare, children can turn feral! But it seems as though this parent didn't even manage to complete step one on school photo day.
They obviously got mixed up with their days and thought school photo day was actually a casual Friday. So, they let their kid go to school in their pajamas - resulting in a very unique school photo.
When Your Child Builds Bars With Drunken Patrons Instead of Spaceships
As parents, it's amazing to see the world through a child's eyes. Everything is exciting, everything is fun, and everything is much less mundane than it seems to adults. That's why most parents encourage their kids to let their imaginations run wild and to play with their toys as they see fit. However, we have a feeling that this Lego-lover's parents didn't anticipate them building something like this during their building session.
Instead of building a farm or a princess castle, this kid built a cowboy's saloon - complete with alcohol and a drunk cowboy! We guess we know what this child's parents are into.
Repeat After Us: Playground Toys Are for the Kids Only
Most children rely on their parents to teach them the ways of the world. From getting dressed in the morning to stranger danger, parents lead the way and hope that their children will follow in their footsteps. But sometimes teaching the younger generation goes in the opposite direction. And although this mom didn't realize it at the time, she was teaching her kid a lesson when she got smacked in the face in the park.
Although this ordeal left her with a giant bruise on her face, her child learned a valuable lesson that day - and that lesson was to avoid the springy things at the park at all costs!
Hope He Doesn't Get Fired for Falling Asleep on the Job
It's fair to say that kids don't appreciate the fact that they're given the option to sleep all day if they want to. Most adults would dream of a life where they could nap four times a day - but it seems as though kids don't want to sleep at all. This leaves many parents tearing their hair out, and trying everything they can to get their babies to sleep. Some parents even get into bed with them!
This dad took one for the team in an attempt to get their baby to sleep. And while one of them did eventually fall asleep, it wasn't the right one.
"My Mom Likes to Sit on the Couch and Text People"
Let's be honest; kids have no filter. They say exactly what's on their mind, good or bad! And while we have to commend this quality, sometimes this lands them in their parents' bad books. Especially when that parent is essentially being called a couch potato by their child in front of their whole class. But in this kid's defense, their mom really does like to sit on the couch and text people.
However, we guess this mom didn't appreciate this not-so-glowing review of her whole life or personality. Or the fact that her kid painted her green and made her look like Shrek.
When the School Calls Cause You Forgot Something... Your Other Child
You probably don't us to tell you that parenting is a full-time job. As soon as you have your first child you're entered into a metaphorical contract that sees you liable for everything that child does - and it's even harder when you have more of them. And while parents are always trying their best, mistakes are bound to happen. And every parent has forgotten about one of their kids at least once, right?
Of course, it's just a little unfortunate that this mom forgot her son while she was dropping her daughters off at school. That probably didn't go down well with the headmistress.
This Gave Their Daughter Nightmares
Parents will know that even when you try to do something nice, there's always a chance of it backfiring. Nothing is certain in parenting, and that's frightening. But not as frightening as this Minnie Mouse nightlight that one parent found for their child! They bought it with the intention of helping their kid get a restful and comfortable night's sleep. As you can probably tell, that didn't quite work out.
We have a feeling that this child didn't have sweet dreams with this demonic Disney character sitting next to them. It's absolutely terrifying, and we bet the child had nightmares for weeks.
"I'm Feeding the Dog"
They say that you should never work with children or animals, but what happens when you live with both? Luckily, many breeds of dogs make great family pets and can be adorable additions to the home. However, it seems as though the same can't be said for children! In a moment of forgetfulness, one parent left the bag of dog food on the floor - and they soon came to regret it.
The scene that greeted them when they went back into the living room was catastrophic, but at least it seems as though this kid is trying to clean up after themselves.
When Mom Breaks the School's Dress Code
Parenthood is hard. And even when you think you're doing something to benefit yourself and your family, you end up embarrassing your kids so much they never want to speak to you again. And we can't help but think that this mom knows exactly what we're talking about. After all, we give her major kudos for losing weight. But everyone knows you need to have that post-weight-loss closet clear out, right?
Unfortunately for this parent, she was obviously so busy that she didn't have time to throw out those yoga pants that were too big. The end result? Never being able to show her face at pre-K ever again.
His First Ride... Here's to Hoping He Won't Remember It
If you're looking for a fun-filled family day out, then look no further than an amusement park. These places take the stress out of parenting, as your kids can get as excited as they want without being too annoying - and what could be better than that? The parents of this child obviously thought an amusement park would excite their son, but it seems as though he wasn't amused at all.
In fact, it looks as though he's hating every second of this elephant ride. From the scream on his face to the hands clutching on for dear life, we don't think he's having fun.
Oops, There She Goes
Looking after one child is hard. But looking after two or more is almost impossible. Yes, trying to keep tabs on where children are at all times is incredibly difficult - especially if you're on your own. This dad realized this for himself when he tried to play with his two daughters in the yard on his own. Before he knew it, one of them was falling to the floor in a very dramatic fashion.
Although this dad was able to look after one of his daughters, it seems as though two of them were just too much. This is a pretty funny picture, though.
Everyone Has Those Awkward Moments When They Don't Recognize Their Own Child... Right?
Parents need super-strength memory powers if they want to be perfect all the time. After all, there are so many things to remember when you have children. You need to remember their gym kit every week, you need to remember the name of their invisible friend, and you need to remember that they actually exist! Okay, parents don't actually forget that their kid exists - but sometimes they do forget who is looking after them.
This parent even went one step further. As well as forgetting the childcare they booked, they also waved at their child from the street without realizing that they were doing so!
At Least They Tried
Although those sleepless nights with a crying baby seem long and never-ending, kids grow up so fast! That's why so many parents across the globe choose to remember every step of the way, from keeping their baby's first lock of hair to filming their first steps. And while these parents decided to use this "My Tiny Hands" template to keep a memento of their baby's tiny hands, we guess they were a little sleep deprived when they did.
At that moment, they completely forgot what hands and feet were. But it seems as though they didn't want to waste the moment, so they thought on their feet (excuse the pun) and made it work.
Table Etiquette Training Is Going Well
Sometimes when you have kids, you just have to pick your battles. Sometimes, it's better to just let things go for the sake of an easier life - and this is the perfect example of that. Sure, this parent probably should have ordered their child something a little healthier than chicken tenders and fries. And yes, this parent should have made their kid sit nicely on the chair. But would they have sat quietly? Absolutely not.
This parent decided to practice some self-care for the sake of a calm and quiet restaurant visit, which is why they just decided to let their kid sit upside down in the booth. And we don't blame them!
A Human Shield
Becoming a parent for the first time is a huge change in someone's life. For the first time ever, they have to put someone else's life before their own - and while most parents excel at that, sometimes it's easy to forget. Especially in a fight or flight scenario. And we can't help but think that this dad saw his life flash before his eyes when this soccer ball came flying toward him.
In that instant, he forgot he was a dad and picked up the closest thing to him to act as a shield! The only problem was that this was a human shield.
Kids Will Just Believe Anything, Won't They?
Children are like sponges. They'll believe anything you tell them, from tales of the tooth fairy to strange facts about the world. And while most parents are careful about what they tell their kids, sometimes little jokes and comments slip out without them thinking. This was the case when this mom used a peel-off face mask and jokingly told their 10-year-old that their face was peeling. It was all innocent until it wasn't!
Her daughter obviously didn't take too kindly to the idea of her mom's face melting off in front of her, but we guess that was a good teaching moment for both of them.
Safe to Say She Wasn't a Fan of Mom's "clown" Makeup
Being a parent is a full-time job, but this isn't the kind of job where you can do the bare minimum and still go home at 5 o'clock on the dot. Parents have to be full-time caregivers, they have to be doctors, they have to be teachers, they have to be chefs, and they have to be anything else their kids want them to be - including a makeup artist!
While this parent did what their daughter asked and turned them into a clown with a painted face, it seems as though this unhappy customer wasn't too pleased with the result. As you can probably tell.
Is It Sandy?
Every kid loves the beach! There's nothing better than frolicking in the water, making sandcastles, and just hanging out in the sun. So, it's no wonder that so many families take their young kids to the beach whenever they have a free moment. And it's no wonder that this young child decided to really make the most of the sand before they had to go back to their sand-less house.
Okay, their parents probably should have wiped all of the sand off the kid's face. But getting all mucky and covered in sand is all part of the beach fun, isn't it?
Her Hubby's a Messy Eater, Too
The main job of any parent is childcare. They have to be on hand 24/7 to look out for their children, and after a while, this just becomes second nature. Parents wipe their kids' noses without thinking about it, they cut sandwiches into triangles robotically, and they even tuck bibs around them when their food comes in a restaurant. In fact, it's so natural that some parents get a little confused!
This mom was so used to taking care of her kids that she automatically tied a bib around her husband's neck, too! And while this was a mistake, we can't help but think that it was probably for the best.
All About the Clean-Up
If you're struggling for ways to keep your kids entertained, why not add some baking into the mix? Not only can you spend some quality time with your little ones, but you can celebrate your fun day with some cake at the end of it! It's a win-win for everyone - especially when you're the kind of parent who lets your children lick the bowl after you put your creation in the oven.
It's probably best to supervise this licking adventure, though. This parent realized this a little too late and spent the rest of their day cleaning the cake batter off their daughter's face and clothes.
Just a Trim, Mom
Kids aren't cheap. Childcare is expensive, clothes are extortionate, and that's before we even mention haircuts. That's why so many parents around the world choose to cut their children's hair in the comfort of their own homes. And while some of them are able to do so without any trouble, there are others who should probably just bite the bullet and cough up the cash. Otherwise, stuff like this happens.
This DIY haircut went wrong on so many levels, and we have a feeling that this parent probably had to shell out for a new toy to make this ok.
Parenting Is All About Priorities
Modern parents have one question for people who had kids before the rise of technology, and that question is; how on earth did you do it? Nowadays, parents use their phones to Google everything they need to know, rant to their best friends, and stream kids' television. In a way, cell phones have become an extension of the parent - which is why this mom decided to save it when she dropped it on her baby's head.
While she probably should have made sure her baby was ok before picking up her phone, she decided to focus on her first baby first. After all, she bought the phone before she gave birth.
A Summer Vacay for the Books
The world can be a big and scary place for young children. Whenever they encounter something new, parents should be on hand to guide them on their way in a safe and secure manner. But sometimes you have to let these kids figure it out for themselves, right? That's what these parents thought, anyway. Sure, they could have kept their eye on this kid while they were trying out the hammock, but where's the fun in that?
When their kid fell out, they even decided to take a photo of the whole ordeal. And while they were probably a little worried, the water wings helped to break the kid's fall, right?
Cold Beans, Yummy Yummy
Anyone parent that uses any form of social media will have probably come across those videos. You know, the ones where parents go the extra mile to make their kids' lunchboxes into works of art! And while some people do have time for that, other parents prefer to keep things simple. There's also a third category of parent, though; and these are the ones who mix up their child's lunches way too often.
Yes, this mom had intended to give her kid a delicious meal of home-cooked pasta salad. And while the tubs got mixed up, the kid was probably so hungry they didn't care.
Happy Birthday, Strangers!
Most children have a busier social calendar than their parents. From school dances to extracurricular activities and birthday parties, it seems as though they always have a new event in their diaries. And it's down to their moms and dads to ensure that they turn up on time, with the right present, and at the right location. That's sometimes easier said than done, though, and this parent realized that for themselves.
They were half right, though. They got the right venue! They just got this party mixed up with another they had on their calendars. It's hard being so popular isn't it, kids?
Sliding Into Monday Like
Nowadays, it's not uncommon to see parents filming and taking photos of their children. The invention of the smartphone means that it's easier than ever to capture these moments, and snapping a photo takes mere seconds! But it seems as though those seconds can make a big difference when you have kids who haven't everything they need to about the world yet - or learned everything they need to know about the play park.
When this kid decided to slide down the slide, their parent chose to capture the epic fail on camera. At least they can look back and laugh about it when he's younger, right?
The Important Thing Is That You Later Remembered!
For a parent, there's nothing as peaceful as a sleeping baby. That moment of respite from the madness of family life is one of the most uplifting feelings, and it can make a sleep-deprived mom or dad feel brand new. But what we didn't realize is that it can also make them feel pretty forgetful. After all, this mom forgot her sleeping baby in a shoe store! At least she remembered her other two kids.
We can only assume that she remembered her third child before she got home. Otherwise, that would have been even more awkward than it already is. This is a serious fail.
Got Enough Cake?
The best thing about being an adult is that you can eat what you want when you want! Unfortunately, kids don't have that same privilege. Parents spend hours disguising vegetables into dishes their kids will eat, and they try to avoid their children "spoiling" their dinner by eating something they shouldn't. You know, like a giant chocolate cake. But this young girl really, really, really wanted some cake. And she was going to eat it.
In the end, she managed to grab a fistful of chocolate cake from her parents' plate - and it's very clear to see that she was pretty proud of herself.
When Pancakes Go Wrong
The best part of being a parent is making memories with your children. And there's nothing quite like making memories and yummy pancakes at the same time, is there? Cooking with your kids is a great way to bond, and it seems as though this parent thought the same thing. Unfortunately, this core memory took a turn for the worse when the mom accidentally hit her son over the head with a frying pan!
Thankfully, it seems as though this knock to the head didn't affect their son's long-term memory. In fact, it seems to have enhanced it - so much so that their kid won't ever let them forget it, either!
Please Don't Feed the Animals
Going to the zoo is one of the best days out you can have as a family. There's nothing cuter than seeing your kids gush over the adorable animals, but it seems as though some kids just don't understand the "look, but don't touch" rule. Although this kid's parents saw and understood the signs that read "Please don't feed the animals" it seems as though this kid didn't want to play by the rules that day.
Instead, he wanted to play with the raccoons! Thankfully, his parents weren't too far away, and they were able to reach into the enclosure and pull him away from his new best friends.
Keeping the Baby in Check
Babies may be small, but they are mighty. And there's no doubt about the fact that they are determined! If a baby wants to get to another side of the room to check out an electrical outlet, they are going to do it - unless a parent gets involved and stops them in their tracks. To stop their baby from sticking their fingers in the electrics, this parent decided to tie them up.
Okay, that sounds bad. And we guess this is a parenting fail. But in the grand scheme of things, they're keeping their baby safe! So that has to stand for something.
A Big Decision
There are two kinds of people in this world; those who don't mind bees, and then those who hate them with a passion. We can only assume that this dad is part of the latter category, as he was so shaken by the fact that he was stung that he dropped his baby on the floor! In all honesty, a lot of parents have done a similar thing. And it seems as though his son was fine.
Luckily, there was no harm done to father or son during this particular bee-related instance - apart from a bee sting. But there's still no doubt about the fact that this was a fail.
Getting Cozy
For many people, the idea of having triplets gives them heart palpitations. But many families around the globe live this reality. They have three little people who look up to them every day, expecting them to teach them the world. So, how do you deal with triplets when you were only expecting one? You get creative, of course! And these parents decided to turn their crib into a crib for three using some nifty little additions.
By using these bumpers, they were able to give all of their babies their own space. And we can't help but think that this isn't a parenting fail. It's a triumph!
Double the Trouble
What's more stressful than one child? A second one born on the exact same day! Yes, there's no doubt about the fact that twins can be a real handful. They're double the work, they're double the mischief, and they can leave parents making double the amount of mistakes. But in this mom's defense, she really was trying to make sure that both of her daughters went to school in the right clothes.
Unfortunately, she just didn't get it quite right, and we bet this mom got a stern talking-to from the headmistress for this fail. And probably from her twin girls after school, too.
Alright Under There?
One of the most difficult parts of being a parent is having to look after your child all the time. No, you can't just leave your kid at home like a dog! Instead, you need to either find childcare for them or take them with you - even when you go grocery shopping. Luckily, most grocery stores have carts that come complete with a child seat so you can keep them safe. Or so we thought.
When this parent bought giant items during their grocery shop, they had no option but to move their kid out of the way so the boxes could fit in the cart. At least the kid stayed in the cart.