11 Unpopular Parenting Opinions That Make Good Points

Posted by u/Interesting-Cod478:

Just because your 8-year-old acts out, throws tantrums, screams, and doesn't listen, you never told them right from wrong or followed through on a punishment, doesn't mean I won't tell them off when they visit my house.

I raise my child knowing the right and wrong, and how to act. If I ask them nine times to be quiet while I try to get my newborn to sleep and you still don't, I will tell them off. Not being able to parent and letting them get away with everything does not mean I let them get away with it in my home.

Parents, do not be angry at me for showing you up. Get your act together and start parenting.

Posted by u/caringbliss:

Parents must follow the rules they set for teens about screen time. Parents often break their own screen time rules, and teens follow the message they see, not the one parents set. If your teen refuses to stop using devices and setting screen time rules causes fights, start by thinking about your own tech use and the behavior you model.

Posted by u/unculturedswine420:

If you want your kids to eat vegetables, become a better cook.

I never understood parents who just put bland, steamed broccoli on a plate with little seasoning and expect their kids to eat it. I used to hate vegetables, but after working in restaurants and learning proper cooking, they are now some of my favorite foods. Plenty of online recipes show how to prepare veggies flavorfully without spending much money on ingredients.

Posted by u/Starspangleda**:

It isn't IKEA's fault if your kid gets hurt. I talked to a friend who watched a documentary. IKEA dressers fell on kids who climbed them, and parents blamed IKEA for their own carelessness.

A dresser tips when you put 30-75 lbs of weight on the front with no support. A China cabinet needs anchoring—especially in a child's room! Child-proofing gear exists for a reason; use it.

Posted by u/ThrowAwayFlamingo259:

If you stop your kids from climbing trees or boulders, you are parenting badly.

I get it if your area lacks climbable trees or boulders, but actively stopping kids from climbing? No way. Kids need to climb. It is their instinct, and it helps train their motor skills and problem-solving skills. Let your kids climb trees!

Posted by u/Andalib_Odulate:

Parents should praise children who find loopholes in their rules; this shows intelligence. Any parent foolish enough to forbid a phone or computer should be proud if their child uses the unmentioned device, saying, "Technically, it's not a phone."

Posted by u/SailingBacterium:

We had a strict "no electronic toys" rule when our daughter was born. My mom bought an electronic toy once—not out of meanness, just because it looked cute—and we returned it. Then we changed the rule: "The person who buys the electronic toy keeps it at their house." Everyone is happy. Grammy plays with the sing-along toys when the baby visits, and we get a quieter house.

Posted by u/thatgirlcalledsuzi:

The entire nation lies about Santa to our kids; this is the weirdest conspiracy. If parents want to do Santa with their own kids, that is fine. But why must the ENTIRE NATION lie for your kids? You can do Santa however you want, but the widespread lie and the backlash against not "playing along" is strange.

Posted by u/antaymonkey:

My friend's wife approached me at a party and told me I needed more tummy time with my son because he hated being on his stomach. I told her I already do the recommended 20 minutes daily, and she told me I must do 20 minutes every hour.

Posted by u/fun_wine_mom:

Parents with silly last nameswho can easily be mocked should change them. Bullying in schools is a serious problem most of us see. The school experience, especially in a person's early years, can shape them.

Posted by u/-brightlights-:

...I do not get why a parent lets their children wear a watch. Kids do not need to constantly think about the time.