Parents Make 221 ‘Parenting Blunders’ Annually, So You’re Not Alone

The next time that self-assured mom in your local online group boasts about her kids munching on their vegetables without a fuss, here’s a nugget of wisdom to share with her. A recent survey conducted by OnePoll, involving 2,000 parents, revealed that on average, parents encounter 221 “parenting blunders” each year. Yes, you read that correctly—221 mistakes! Considering there are 365 days in a year, that adds up to about 4,000 missteps by the time your little one reaches adulthood.

Common Parenting Slip-Ups

So, what are the most frequent slip-ups? Overindulgence in screen time tops the list, with 65% of parents admitting to it. Trust me, I’m guilty of that myself. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, it only got worse as my kids found new ways to occupy their time.

Another common error is inadvertently teaching kids bad language, with 42% of parents owning up to this. Oh boy, I can relate to that! And then there’s allowing children to watch content that’s not suitable for their age, which 39% of parents admitted to doing. Looks like I’m three for three on these blunders!

I’m not sharing this to make anyone feel bad. Quite the opposite! It’s important to embrace the fact that parenting is one wild ride filled with unexpected challenges. After over a decade of parenting, I can confidently say that nobody truly has it figured out—even if they act like they do.

Facing Criticism and Doubt

I’ve faced my fair share of online criticism. Once, I stirred up quite the uproar because I didn’t make my three-year-old eat a banana that wasn’t cut to her liking. It’s amusing to think that someone suggested I should lose custody of my kids over that! Seriously, though, we all face moments of doubt and judgment, especially when scrolling through Instagram and seeing families that seem perfect while we’re in our comfy Crocs and leggings, resisting the urge to buy a camper for the kids to live in.

The truth is, we’re all fumbling through this parenting maze, and this survey reinforces that reality. Parenting is like trying to align a complicated set of gears without a manual. Just when you think you’ve got it down, your child changes, and you’re back to square one.

Embrace Your Mistakes

So, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s essential to keep your judgments in check and remember that we all make mistakes. If you think you’re the only one, think again! There’s a lot happening in your home that you might not even be aware of. As Ana Richards pointed out in her article for the Miami Gazette, she only discovered her son had been jumping off the roof into their pool when he left for college. I was just as reckless at his age, leaping onto a trampoline from a roof—sorry, Mom!

The pressure to be the perfect parent is overwhelming, and the quest for “results” can be exhausting. In the end, we aim to raise compassionate, socially aware individuals who will one day establish families of their own. We have a general idea of what we’re doing, but nothing is set in stone. Kids throw us curveballs, and that’s just part of the journey. So, embrace your mistakes, support your fellow parents, and remember this motto: Don’t be a jerk.

Conclusion

In summary, parenting is a challenging yet rewarding journey where mistakes are an inevitable part of growth. Embrace the chaos, support one another, and remember that no one has it all figured out.