‘You’re doing the best you can mom and dad!': Parenting laughs and woes for witty mothers and fathers (January 17, 2026)

Author image for Elna McHilderson
Elna McHilderson • Managing Editor
Jan 17, 2026 7:00 AM EST

Parents need a life full of laughter, too, not just their kids. That's why there are parenting memes!

What a wild time to exist, let alone help another person exist. Parenting is debatably the most difficult job in the world. That is why it is important for moms and dads to laugh. 

We're done going easy on this, you NEED to laugh. If mom and dad don't know how to laugh, then how can the kids? With the way the world is right now, it is important to have the skill of LOLing. That doesn't just mean forcing a laugh when things are feeling extra difficult (though, that also helps). We mean sitting down and purposefully giving yourself a moment to laugh. Do it while your kids are napping or include them in the humor! Who knows if they will even understand the joke, but they will see mom and dad happy and laughing, and that is very very important. 

It's hard to find ways to LOL with the headlines constantly getting darker and darker. You just want to raise your babies in a safe place and promise them a bright future, but the news makes that notion seem difficult. But you know what the headlines can never take away from us? The ability to laugh! 

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  • 01
    Your kids are going to do things they shouldn't. It helps if you married someone with a sense of humour. A 田氏 R. C. Massicotte (b. 2011) Interrupted House, 2017 Marker on latex paint Gifted to his parents, by surprise. Nov. 13.
    via craftyfun_com

  • Dear mom and dad, 

    I am so happy I saw you two laughing together. Very clearly, I remember you two laughing, full belly giggling laughter, and I would just watch on smiling. I had absolutely no idea what you two were laughing about, but I saw the joy. That was important for me as a kid and I want to thank you for that! 

    If you are a parent, it's important you laugh in front of your children. Memes can help with that parental duty! 

  • 02
    PARENTS: ASKING TODDLERS TO HELP CLEAN UP TODDLERS: I WONT DO WHAT THEY TOLD ME
    via kelariy
  • 03
    Idea for small budget piñata!
    via YummyTerror8259
  • 04
    Go ahead. Give it to a toddler. In your car.
    via MikeGinnyMD
  • 05
    When you haven't even gotten your food yet and you already regret bringing your toddler to a restaurant HEINZ TOMATO
    via tayflemm
  • 06
    Wife: don't play too rough with the kids while I'm gone. Husband: Ok. XSHOT
    via mattlisle
  • 07
    Me 5 minutes into what was supposed to be a fun family outing with the kids because I'm overwhelmed and overstimulated af D 562 1232 n.... I kinda want to leave
    via tayflemm
  • 08
    There are two kinds of kids on the first day of school... 5
    via muddledupmummyofficial
  • 09
    RizHumor Imagine you are in the office, and your husband sends you this picture.
    via riz_humor
  • 10
    My toddler thinking about the 2nd carton of berries they're going to eat instead of the lunch I made them
    via life.with.jesss

  • Yes, we know there are many moments you want to laugh at the darndest things your kids do, but as a parent, you know you can't. Why? Because then that will teach them that the “bad” thing they did invoked a laugh and they will do it again. Sure, it's funny when they throw spaghetti at your partner and it hits them right in the face. You want to laugh at that but you just can't because you don't want your kid to keep throwing spaghetti around. 

    However, you know when you can laugh at that? When you are scrolling and see it as a meme. Allow yourself to laugh at parenting, it IS funny! 

  • 11
    My mom used to tell us that we had another brother that turned into a mushroom from not taking his baths. Even added him to the photo album. he RE IST DRUG VIOLENCE
    via collegefessing
  • 12
    Tomorrow, I'll get up early to clean the house. My kid and me: 10:00 am
    via moms_beyond
  • 13
    Diego Attanasio @DiegoComedy I was watching Pixar's Soul with my 5-year-old nephew and when they got to the part with the unborn souls in the "great before" he said, "I remember that place." All the adults just gasped and said, "what?!" And he said, "yeah, they showed it in the trailer."
    via @DiegoComedy
  • 14
    When the house is a disaster, kids are feral and I haven't showered in 2 days
    via tayflemm
  • 15
    My child at 5AM after I convinced myself that a late bedtime would mean sleeping in @DAILYMOMSHOW
    via dailymomshow
  • 16
    My toddler, the second they wake up SA FANG WILL ARGUE WITH ANYONE ABOUT $1 ANYTHING.
    via theortegaspartyof6

  • Listen, we're not saying that you should never take parenting seriously. There are some very serious moments that you have to lock in for while raising some tiny mini-me's.  You don't want to raise a monster, right?! We're saying, just because you are in charge of molding a fragile life, doesn't mean you cannot also laugh at this funny little playdough project you created. 

    You're doing a great job, mom and dad. Now let yourself LOL!

  • 17
    Me halfway into my self-care routine and my child decides naptime is over @DAILYMOMSHOW
    via dailymomshow
  • 18
    shot I let my kids put what they want in their lunchbox this morning. I'm so glad I checked! eee Sour& Crear CUTWATE PEACH MARGARIT CUFFLES CUTWATE PEACH MARGARIT
    via muddledupmummyofficial
  • 19
    Dads after spending all day giving Mom a relaxing day by doing the things she does on a daily basis.
    via pregnantbellybump
  • 20
    Me, looking at the living room after I put my toddler to bed YD
    via boredpanda
  • 21
    crunchymama0128 Me trying to blend in with all the moms who have their life together REBA DRAMATIC
    via crunchy_mama_0128

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humor guardian mother laugh parenting new parents family Father
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