Let’s be honest, fellow parents: We often hear some truly frustrating comments from others. Whether at a school drop-off or during a neighborhood gathering, it’s likely someone has said something that made you roll your eyes so intensely you thought you might need to see a doctor. Unwanted advice, critiques on your parenting style, or remarks that make you feel inadequate are all reasons for a collective “WTF?!” directed at those dispensing these overused clichés.
Not only do people say annoying things, but some behaviors also leave us baffled. Mismanaging the carpool lane (come on, it’s already June!), hitting “reply all” on group emails (for the love of sanity, just hit reply), and acting like their child is the next best thing to sliced bread can make us feel like we’re barely keeping it together while still in our pajamas at the bus stop.
Here are some phrases that are guaranteed to make us roll our eyes:
- “Why aren’t you breastfeeding/bottlefeeding/co-sleeping/letting your child cry it out?” Seriously, enough with the probing questions about my personal parenting choices. Like you, I have my reasons—so let’s keep it to ourselves, okay?
- “I would never wear pajamas to the bus stop.” Oh, really? I was up all night tending to a fussy baby and barely made it out of the house after my toddler turned the kitchen into a dairy disaster. Honestly, I’m just glad I remembered my shoes—pants are a bonus.
- “My kid has never had fast food.” How charming! But with three kids to shuttle around town, Ronald McDonald is practically part of the family. And let’s be real—those fries are the only meal I’ve had today. Don’t mess with a mom fueled by caffeine and carbs.
- “Oh, it’s just a phase. He’ll outgrow it eventually.” Yes, I know my child will stop using the floor as a toilet, but I’d love a timeline, please. I can’t keep scrubbing the carpet every day.
- “I don’t have kids, but I have a dog, so I can give parenting advice.” Please, just stop. I have a dog too, and while she’s wonderful, training her isn’t remotely like potty training a child. So, let’s not compare notes.
- “The weight just fell off a couple of weeks after the baby was born!” Shut it. My youngest is 11, and I’m still trying to shed those extra pounds.
- “We never allow sugar.” Good for you and your bleak sugar-free life!
- “Boys will be boys.” Can we agree to retire this tired excuse? The last thing we need is more outdated views on masculinity.
- “Oops, I didn’t notice the ‘Baby Sleeping, PLEASE DON’T RING THE BELL’ sign.” Let’s be clear: When I say don’t ring the doorbell, I mean it. Waking a sleeping baby is grounds for a serious talk.
- “My 16-year-old is a fantastic driver.” That’s great, but that doesn’t mean I want my kid in the car with your “great driver.” No offense to your driving skills, but I’ll pass.
- “Your kid is playing basketball for the first time? Our son has been in it since he was three and is destined for greatness.” I’m sure your child has talent, but last I checked, the NBA isn’t scouting 10-year-olds. My kid is just enjoying the game without the pressure.
- “Looks like you’ve got your hands full!” Yes, thank you for pointing out the obvious. I’m delighted you noticed my toddler’s meltdown during our grocery run while I juggle my infant. Your observation is so helpful!
We’ve all made eye-roll-worthy comments at times, and there’s always room for growth. If you’re soon to be a parent and can’t imagine ever rolling your eyes at the trials of parenthood, trust me when I say, “You’ll get it one day.” And if you have no plans for kids, that’s perfectly fine too. I won’t say, “Oh, you’ll change your mind,” because I’m not that naïve. Eye roll.
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this resource, or visit CCRM IVF for tips on pregnancy. And if you’re curious about home insemination kits, take a look at Make A Mom, an excellent authority on the topic.
Summary:
Parents often face unsolicited advice and irritating comments that make them roll their eyes. From questions about feeding choices to critiques of parenting methods, these statements can be frustrating. By recognizing these common phrases, we can better navigate the parenting journey together.