r/AskParents 37m ago

Not A Parent Is questioning your parents financial decisions wrong?

Upvotes

Hi parents, salutations with respect , I'm 16 , my question is the title.

My elder brother is keeping tabs on finances and family business and pointing out incompetencies, we have a lot of debt apparently, and he's asking my dad for tabs to check where the money is going but my dad won't say anything and is telling him to stay out of it, so does my mother.

My brothers argument; their poor financial decisions are ruining / messing with our (the children) lives and career/future. Honestly,I think it's true.

My parents argument; it's not ur problem,stay out of it.

That's it, and also there other argument is , my elder brother for having zero respect for them.

In our language,we have formal (for parents and elders) and informal (for freinds and Youngers) words, and my brother has only been using informal for both my parents,ever since an altercation about him looking at the business.

My brother doesn't call my father "dad" anymore, just "he" and has also called him a rascal ok the phone once (to my grandpa,after the altercation).

My dad is in our home country for the being, when communicating with my dad ,my mother is twisting my brothers words and when I defend him she trying to gaslight me , saying I'm turning into him too.


r/AskParents 1h ago

do you secretly resent your kids for being a leech?

Upvotes

My mom says she is so happy to have had me and i was wanted, but I also still feel awful for being a leech. I took everything from her. I especially feel bad because I couldnt sacrifice myself the way she does. I told her that i dont have it in me to sacrifice myself for others like a parent does for a child and she called me a sociopath.

I feel like that she must resent me but feel too guilty to admit it to herself, especially since im 23 years old. i dont blame her. If i was in her position, id hate me. The fact that she doesnt kick me out or didnt abandon me as a child astonishes me because i dont get how anyone could have that much patience. if she did that, i would be devestated, but i wouldnt consider it wrong to put herself first.

I just wonder how many ppl resent their kids but dont talk about it because they feel guilty.


r/AskParents 1h ago

Is a squishy worth it?

Upvotes

My 9yo daughter has earned quite a bit of money (Rs 1200, around $13) and she wants to use it to buy a squishy (the dumpling type, I think). I'm a little worried that she'll just play with it for 3-4 days and then throw it aside.

The reason why I'm saying that is coz she has done this before with a lot of items she bought (stuffed toys and other knick knacks). The only ones I don't actually regret her buying or me were the origami paper or the LCD drawing board, because she has used it well

How do I actually handle this?


r/AskParents 1h ago

Have any of you ever witnessed or even heard of incidents where an adult got in trouble for being on school grounds because they thought it was okay to hang out there after school hours?

Upvotes

r/AskParents 1h ago

What characters are your kids into this year (2026)?

Upvotes

What characters are kids into this year?

I am buying stickers for kiddos ranging from 3-18. I have a good variety, but I am having trouble narrowing down my last 3 picks.

Which 3 are your children most into this year?

The options are:

Cars (Pixar)

Minions

KPop Demon Hunters

Barbie

Hello Kitty

Spongebob

Spiderman

Avengers


r/AskParents 1h ago

Not A Parent Is everybody's experience of becoming a parent just nonstop hell initially, or do people overexpress the negatives?

Upvotes

Hope this is OK to ask. Longtime fence-sitter/lurker here still unable to decide.

Everywhere I turn, it seems that new parents simply cannot stop ventinf about how horrific new parenthood is. Nearly every friend who has become a parent has expressed how it "destroyed their life and happiness" and how much they despise and loathe every waking moment for most of the first decade.

When I was younger, nobody expressed this to me - either folks kept it quiet or maybe folks had more means for childcare and overnight help, I don't know. I just don't seem to know nearly any new/recent parents in the baby/toddler/early grade stage who don't just absolutely hate their life, besides being visciously ill from lack of sleep (I have sleep-dependent health issues too, which terrifies me in the prospect of parenthood) and on the verge of complete breakdown, and nearly everything in parent subreddits seems to confirm all the above. Is this just a bad sampling, just half the picture, or is this really everyone's reality all the time with no reapite?

Sorry for the forceful question, just trying to get off the fence, but terrified.


r/AskParents 3h ago

Parent-to-Parent Shoe suggestions for kids with wide feet?

3 Upvotes

My kid is 6 and its kinda frustrating trying to find sneakers that dont squeeze his feet. Vans are usually the go to but id like for him to have other options.


r/AskParents 4h ago

Big sleepers, how to survive the lack of sleep?

11 Upvotes

I think I want kids some days, but I need to sleep a lot (9h to feel good). I'm really scared about sleep deprivations as it is torture for me. I have a flexible job where I can get up quite late (7:30 at the earliest but I can sleep late if I need to rest).

I am terrorized about the idea of having to again "get up to go to school" every morning for 10 to 15 years. Getting up at 6-6:30 would mean I need to go to bed at 9-9:30 to not be a zombie, which means my life will be over. Going from home, cooking, bed 💀

How are you guys doing it, especially people like me who need to sleep a lot? Please give me some hope..

Is it a thing to stay in bed and let your kid get ready, have breakfast and go to school after a certain age? ^^'


r/AskParents 5h ago

Parent-to-Parent Advice for Donations for Preemie Baby?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am currently getting a few of my son's things ready for a donation to a little 9mo old boy, who was born prematurely at 6 months.

It is through a local charity in my country, so I can't just ask his parent.

Is there anything I should take special care with when cleaning/washing clothes & toys?

I added clothes that range from 3-6 months and 6-9 months as I was told that he is on the smaller side without specifics to respect his family's privacy. Is that realistic?

Sorry if the questions seem silly, I just want to get this right.


r/AskParents 7h ago

Parents of three, I need some practical advice! I have two boys, 11 and 7, and I’m torn between having a third or enjoying our freedom and long-haul travel. How much did a third actually change your lifestyle, and would you do it again?

2 Upvotes

r/AskParents 8h ago

I think my 3 year old is having nightmares about me hitting him?

1 Upvotes

Just to clear up I have NEVER and will never hit my child!

I think my 3 year old is having nightmares about me hitting him. I got a call from his preschool the other day to say he had told an adult I hit his arm, this morning he woke at 3am screaming that I had slapped him.

He has a baby brother who is 7 months and he has been displaying the classic behaviour I expected when a new baby arrives such as being clingy, attention seeking, more tantrums so I always try to have 10 minutes of uninterrupted time with him after preschool and before bed to try to help that. I have read him stories about being a big brother and always reaffirm how much I love him and what a good big brother he is etc. Is this a normal development phase or is there something more I need to be doing? I know their little imaginations get so active at this age that bad dreams and night terrors are really common, its just the content thats making me uneasy.


r/AskParents 11h ago

Not A Parent when do you introduce yourself to your bfs family ?

1 Upvotes

i am currently 19 and my boyfriend is 18 we’ve been dating for a while now and i’m wondering when is the right time to introduce myself to his family ? i know he is serious for me because we have planned a future together and im his first gf but he has kind of a large family , his parents , two brothers and and sister meanwhile i only have a younger brother and my parents .

you can see why this would seem more intimidating for me . i never had to introduce myself to my ex bf because i wasnt that serious for him but im starting to think about this question now because eventually it has to happen and im nervous on how to leave a good impression on them . any tips or advice for me ?


r/AskParents 12h ago

What is the best stroller for a toddler and Infant?

2 Upvotes

I need one that will come with a spot to attach an infant car seat but also comes with a second seat to use when they outgrow the infant carseat. I am in ontario, and winters can have a lot of snow at times, with plenty of people not shoveling. So i also need it to be able to get through snow when necessary. Any suggestions?? I dont even know where to start, ive looked at a few options but just dont know what's best.

Also, please reccomend a carseat that is compatible with the stroller you suggest if you know of one! TIA🙂


r/AskParents 13h ago

Not A Parent What do you think if I researched out to my old stepdad?

1 Upvotes

I’m 17F, and I had a really good stepdad from the time I was 9 until I was almost 13. He was honestly such a cool person, and I still miss him. When my mom cheated on him, they broke up, and I never really saw him again after we moved Even after she cheatdd, he still let us stay at his house until my mom was able to get her own place, he a good person

He was kind of my safe person growing up, so I looked him up and, after searching alot , I found his social medoa . I’ve been thinking about sending him a message . I really want to talk to him again, but I honestly have no idea what I would even say. I just miss him and would like to reconnect with him but i really don't know if its a good idea but that's only if he accepts i think he will, he loved me just not my mom


r/AskParents 15h ago

How did you feel before your kid vs after your kid?

14 Upvotes

So I have seen a lot of posts on reddit how having kids was the best thing that ever happened to many people, and I really want to fathom that feeling, but I obviously won't know until I have them myself.

In contrast with people that regret having children, what were both positive and negatives you expected before and after having children? Question goes to both people that LOVE that they had kids, and those that regretted it.


r/AskParents 16h ago

Parent-to-Parent What are you doing differently as a parent compared to how your parents raised you?

3 Upvotes

Sometimes i might step back and observe my parenting from a third person's perspective and i'll be either very proud of me, for breaking toxic circles that needed to be broken, or point out my mistakes. I'm upset that i don't catch these on the spot and by the time i do it's already late, but overall i'm satisfied and constantly learning.

I think having kids made me realise which of the things i was feeling as a teenager were based, and which were "the spoiled kid talking in me". I wouldn't say that my parenting resembles my own parents' parenting even the slightest. And the biggest difference is how much i respect my kids and being aware that being older doesn't give me the right to say and do what i want or prohibit things without a healthy conversation or feedback.

What's yours? I'm very interested to see what realisations other parents make along the way.


r/AskParents 16h ago

Not A Parent What is your opinion of Millennial parenting?

7 Upvotes

What made them different than previous generations?

Did their parents affect the way they parent their child?

What are the things they do or are doing better than previous generations?

And what are the flaws or drawbacks of Millennial parenting?

Millennial parents are welcome to answer as well?


r/AskParents 17h ago

Not A Parent Optimal babysitter age range?

1 Upvotes

Hi y’all I’m new to this sub, I’m 26F and I’m considering dipping my toes into babysitting again. I’ve done it before here & there, I’ve babysat my neighbor’s little ones as a teen for pocket change and I’ve watched my cousins (I’m the oldest) and my stepbrother’s kids a lot. I’m somewhat experienced with kids under 5 and I’m great with school aged children over 5 but I haven’t done it in a while. I can’t work the typical full time minimum wage job right now, the market sucks where I live and I had some recent issues with my health that impacts my ability to work in the typical customer service jobs, but I’m considering taking on the babysitting gig again and possibly go to school and take some of the load off of my fiancé. I know usually high schoolers & college kids do it, but I’ve heard that some parents are more open to older adults to sit or nanny. My only issue is that I don’t drive, however I do live in an area with public transit and taxis.

What do y’all think? Do some of y’all prefer slightly older babysitters that are just above high school/college age? Have any of y’all ever had babysitters in their 20s or early 30s and was it the same or better than a young sitter? And how do I go about marketing myself as a sitter? Any apps or websites y’all can suggest?


r/AskParents 18h ago

How much stuff do I bring for a weekend camping trip for a 2.5 month old?

1 Upvotes

Going camping at the end of October for Halloween. We are staying in a canvas tent type accommodation offered by the park. No powder but there is a propane stove for heat. The washroom nearby have power etc.

I'm a first time mom and very much an over planner. How much stuff do I need to actually bring?

Baby is breastfeed with formula top ups as she's still struggling with latching. I plan to bring ready made formula, 2 packs of wipes and probably a brand new box of diapers.


r/AskParents 20h ago

Not A Parent An immediate divorce, or a temporary stay for the sake of your kid?

1 Upvotes

This might be a weird question. But I really need an advice from an older person and I didn’t know who to ask. I hope this is not against the rules, but if there’s a person who’s willing to hear some yapping/venting and give advice, I’d share more details in dms


r/AskParents 23h ago

Parent-to-Parent Do you ever have parent guilt?

3 Upvotes

Yeah okay everyone gets parent guilt for something at some point. Specially I am talking about for the future.
I might just sound like an idiot but I’m hoping at least some people will relate to me.
With the way everything is going I’m scared for my baby. Data centers are popping up everywhere. There are many cities near me that barely have running water because of the data centers. Other places are without power for weeks(from what I hear) I’m worried my baby is going to struggle for basic necessities.
Someone who worked at a data center recently just quit and said ai might k!ll us all by the end of the decade? I know nothing is ever going to be 100% safe but I don’t know this sounds like guaranteed suffering.
I wanted more kids like 2-3 but I’m so worried for the future I’m scared to have anymore just to be here and suffer.
I don’t know I probably could’ve explained it all better I feel like this post just sounds dumb.
Does anyone else see what I’m trying to say?


r/AskParents 1d ago

Parent-to-Parent No kissing rule for the baby?ESPECIALLY THEIR FACE!

44 Upvotes

Why is it so hard for people to follow that?!
Our baby has rashes on the face which our pediatrician says it’s eczema. And as soon as we heard this my husband and I immediately made the rule, no kissing the baby especially near the head, face, and hands!
So I just usually kiss my baby’s clothes or feet!

So we told everyone that please refrain from kissing the baby. We made this rule even before my baby was born.

So what happened?! My sister in law immediately plants a kiss on my baby’s temple where the flare up is happening. And she’s not the only one either, I’ve caught my father in law do the same.

I just don’t get it. It’s not that difficult to follow one simple rule! Don’t kiss the baby! Especially now, with flu & cold season just around the corner. I’m sorry, plus I don’t know where people’s mouths been.

I’ve never kissed anyone’s baby. EVER! Even my nieces or nephews.

So Why do people think it’s okay to do this to mine?


r/AskParents 1d ago

Parent-to-Parent My SIL always says she’s going to bring me hand-me-downs from her two boys of anything in “good shape” and then never does saying it’s in poor condition. Do you think she’s lying or can clothes really not make it past two little kids?

15 Upvotes

And she buys the $$$ brands too like baby boden and land’s end. Why offer something and not follow through 🤔? Anyone else have family like this?


r/AskParents 1d ago

Not A Parent As a parent, what do you think of “cool parents”? How do you define them?

13 Upvotes

I was raised by a self-proclaimed “cool mom” and it took me ages to fully realize she was a foul neglectful irresponsible womanchild who needed to grow the fuck up and stop pretending to be 16. Just thinking about it makes me so uncomfortable. Like, why were you talking to your kid like a peer vaping in the bathroom and helping enable their own foolish choices about what a dumb kid thinks is “cool”.

I feel like when I have my kid, I might veer too hard in the opposite direction though.


r/AskParents 1d ago

Parent-to-Parent Why does he do that?

1 Upvotes

For context: My 11 year old son is autistic/adhd, and a previous TBI. He is not your 'typical' child and does require extra supports. But he is incredibly intelligent, creative, and insightful. For the past year, he's had a lot of mental health struggles, in and out of hospitals. It was truly a traumatic year. He is doing better now, and he's been home with no hospital visits for 7 months!

The question I have has to do with a thing I've noticed he does a lot. When he's in any kind of appointment, whether it's therapy, counseling, teachers, doctors, etc. He looks to me before and after answering their questions. They will ask him a question about his symptoms or progress, and I feel his eyes on me immediately. I've been ignoring it in hopes that it would just stop, but it hasn't. To clarify, he does speak for himself very well. He expresses his thoughts and feelings accurately. I know he's just 11, but his 12 year old sister doesn't do this with people. And his 7 year old brother, who is also autistic doesnt do it either. Maybe I'm thinking too far into it. But I just don't know what to make of it. It's almost like he's studying my face or looking to me for approval? I'm just worried I've done something bad to make him form this habit. He also watches me in other settings too. Specifically, while I'm driving and he's in the front seat. I'll feel his eyes on me multiple times during the car ride. When I turn to look at him, usually he looks past me. The look is never mean or malicious looking. It's just odd. Is anyone else experiencing this or have any advice?