Laugh Together, Learn Together, Love Together

Laugh at Your Parenting Fails

Every parent has had a moment where Parent Win became Parent Fail. Turn your parenting fails into laughter with these ten tips.

Parenting is an exhilarating roller-coaster ride filled with moments of joy, love, and cherished memories. Yet, amidst the wonder and beauty, there are bound to be instances when our well-intentioned efforts go awry, leading to those classic “parenting fails”:

Forgetting to put a diaper on your baby after a bath or putting it on backward
Teaching baby a first word that is NOT “Dada” or “Mama”
Baby-proofing everything so excessively that you lock yourself out of your own toilet or something equally embarrassing
Mismatching your child’s socks or other essential articles of clothing and creating some amusing fashion choices
Saying something that your kid misinterprets, leading to hilarious and sometimes embarrassing situations
And so many more that you probably don’t even want to remember

Instead of shying away from these missteps, let’s learn how to find the humor in our parenting blunders. These ten tips and tricks will empower you to not only laugh at your parenting fails but also embrace them as invaluable stepping stones on the journey of raising resilient, compassionate, and giggling little humans.

Your laughter will help you navigate the highs and lows of parenthood with a smile!

Why Should I Laugh at My Parenting Fails?

Laughing at your parenting fails doesn’t mean dismissing the importance of good parenting; it simply means acknowledging that mistakes happen. Finding humor in mistakes can make the parenting experience more enjoyable and rewarding. So go ahead and giggle at those mishaps—it’s all part of the adventure!

But more than the immediate benefits, laughter can have an even deeper influence. From health benefits to bonding moments, studies have shown that laughter can help you parent in so many ways:

Reduce stress
Boost self-confidence
Build resilience
Bond with your children
Set a positive example
Create fond memories
Release tension and frustration
Improve perspective
Boost your mood
Connect with other parents

Ways to Laugh at Parenting Fails

Embrace Imperfection

Understand that no parent is perfect and that everyone makes mistakes. Accepting that imperfection is a part of being human will make it easier to laugh at your own missteps.

Shift Your Perspective

Instead of dwelling on the seriousness of a mistake, try to see the humor in it. Ask yourself, “Will this matter in a year? Will it make a good story later on?”

Find the Silver Lining

Many parenting mistakes come with valuable lessons or funny anecdotes. Focus on what you’ve learned or the amusing side of the situation.

Share with Other Parents

Talk to other parents about their own funny parenting fails. You’ll quickly realize that you’re not alone and that laughter is often the best response. And the connections you make through your parenting fails will be a major help throughout your parenting journey.

Remember Your Own Childhood

Reflect on your own childhood and the funny things you did or the mistakes your parents made. It can provide perspective and help you relate to your children’s experiences.

Use Humor to Diffuse Tension

When you make a mistake or when things aren’t going as planned, try using humor to lighten the mood and ease the tension. Laughing together can strengthen your family and create bonding moments with your children.

Document the Funny Moments

Write down or take photos of the funny things your or your kids have said or done. You can look back on these memories later and have a good laugh.

Prioritize Joy and Laughter

Make a conscious effort to prioritize joy and humor in your parenting journey. Laughter, according to health experts at Mayo Clinic, is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Seek out funny movies, books, or shows that can help you unwind and laugh.

Laugh at Yourself

Be willing to laugh at your own quirks and idiosyncrasies as a parent. It shows your kids that it’s okay to make mistakes and not take yourself too seriously.

Celebrate Small Victories

When you overcome a parenting challenge or turn a mistake into a learning opportunity, celebrate it with humor and positivity. This will make it ten times easier to laugh at your next parenting fail.

Books That Turn Parenting Fails into Laughter

^{Shaelyn Topolovec earned a BA in editing and publishing from BYU, worked on several online publications, and joined the Familius family. Shae is currently an editor and copywriter who lives in California’s Central Valley.}