sad girl crying

10 Signs You’re a Bad Parent

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nobody intentionally becomes a “bad parent.” But as parents, our own past experiences and current situations can affect how we react to our children. We may not realize it, but sometimes our behaviors can be hurtful and damaging.


A popular forum discussed signs of a bad parent; here are the top responses.

1. Using a Child as a Therapist

mom hiding in the hallway
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

One user writes that her mom would tell her some pretty heavy stuff about her childhood, even at six. Other users agreed and commented on how it affected their own ability to regulate their emotions and understand their place in the world.

2. Avoiding the Word “No”

frustrated mom
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

One writer is confused about why some parents fear the word “no.” Sure, in some contexts, it’s better to redirect kids. But being told no is a reality that they will have to deal with at some point in their life.

3. Not Having Contact with Adult Children

sad woman crying
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Both parents and kids agree if a child doesn’t want to have anything to do with their parents as an adult- it’s probably the parent’s fault.

One writer says, “Yeah, it took me awhile to understand that me wanting to go no contact with my parents is a failure on their part. Not mine.”

4. Acting Like a Kid is an Inconvenience

frustrated and tired mom
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

It can be heartbreaking to see a parent disregard their child- showing little interest in them and getting annoyed when they are inconvenienced.

One writer notes that this often can lead to violence to get the kid to “shut up” when they’re trying to get more attention.

5. Invalidating a Child’s Feelings

sad girl crying
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

One user explains this perfectly: “Invalidating your child’s feelings, struggles, and/or mental illness in favor of “you don’t know what struggling really is” or some form of “back in my day” or “you kids are so weak.”

You have just robbed your child of support, told them their feelings do not matter, and informed them that you are not a safe person to confide in.”

6. Not Willing to Apologize

mom with baby sleeping on her chest
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

No one is perfect, and this is a great lesson for kids, particularly from their parents. When parents try to stay on their high horse, even when they’re clearly wrong, it can be damaging to their kids.

On the other hand, being able to apologize is huge for helping kids learn to navigate life purposefully.

7. The Child is Afraid

sad girl
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

No child should be afraid of the people who are supposed to be their caretakers- whether it’s mom, dad, or both.

A few writers said they were afraid of their dads as kids and didn’t realize it was weird until later in life.

8. Blowing Off Major Events

sad girl with teddy bear on stairs
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Sadly, when kids that are sexually abused finally confide in their parents about it- they are blown off and told not to make such as big deal out of it.

One writer said that her mom harshly said she “asked for it” when she was abused as a toddler.

9. Constant Yelling

sad boy on the swings kids
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Parents can sometimes get carried away in the heat of the moment (at which time they should apologize). But some users recall how they were yelled at for every trivial thing or for no reason at all because the parent was in a bad mood.

“Yelling at a kid is traumatic for the kid. Don’t do it. There are better ways to communicate than yelling,” said one.

10. Making Mean Comments

woman yelling in frustration
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Some parents seem to hold a grudge against their kids for existing. One user writes, “saying things like “you’re such a disappointment” “I wish I had a daughter instead” “you ruined my and you’re mother’s sex life” this is stuff I heard for years.”

See the full thread here.

18 Baby Names That Make People Cringe

funny baby shocked face
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

What were parents thinking when they named their kids these names?

15 Baby Names That Make People Cringe

10 Phrases That Make People Lose All Respect and Stop Listening

woman raising her sunglasses in shock
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Some words are better not said, and the Reddit community agrees. In a recent thread, someone asks, “What’s a word that people use that you immediately disregard everything they say after that?”

10 Phrases That Make People Lose All Respect and Stop Listening

10 Things That Make You Look Ridiculous, No Matter Who You Are

gross, disgusted, ew woman
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

We are all human. Whether you’re rich, poor, tall, short, skinny, or fat, there are some things that every single person on the planet looks ridiculous doing.

10 Things That Make You Look Ridiculous, No Matter Who You Are

13 Things Men Are Sick of Hearing from Their Wives (and Society)

confused man in pink
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Men are constantly bombarded with messages from their wives and society that can leave them frustrated, misunderstood, and exhausted.

13 Things Men Are Sick of Hearing from Their Wives (and Society)

20 Embarrassing Birth Moments That’ll Make You Laugh Until You Cry

shocked woman red lipstick
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Moms of Reddit share their most hilarious moments while birthing their children. Get ready to laugh!

20 Embarrassing Birth Moments That’ll Make

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *