Update Consent

Things You Should Not Say to a Parent in 2020

20 Things You Should Absolutely Not Say to a Parent in 2020

Sep 4 2020

Raising kids has never been easy, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made 2020 a year for the books. Despite the unprecedented challenges parents have faced, the criticism hasn't stopped rolling in. Some members of the parent police mean well — no Karen, not you — but that doesn't make their comments any easier for exhausted moms and dads to digest.

Thinking twice before criticising a parent or doling out unsolicited advice is always advisable, but even more so in 2020. The pandemic has turned life as we know it upside down, and by this point, parents are just doing their best to — somewhat — keep it together. Read on to learn what parents don't want to hear from you this year.

Image Source: ABC

1. "Your Kids Spend Too Much Time on Screens"

There's no need to state the obvious. No parent is proud of the fact that their kid spends hours each day staring at a screen, but it's called survival. Kids are happy when watching television or playing on an iPad, which means mom and dad can actually get something done.

Image Source: ABC via Giphy

2. "Something Has to Give — You Can’t Do It All"

Parents are under a lot of pressure right now. Most understand the number of responsibilities on their plate is unreasonable, but they don't really have a choice. Instead of trying to convince them they're not up for the challenge, give them the support they need to keep up the great work.

Image Source: ABC via Giphy

3. "I’ve Accomplished More This Year Than Ever"

You've used your quarantine to write a novel, paint your house and organise your kitchen. That's great, but productivity for parents of young kids right now is more along the lines of remembering to shower. Tout your accomplishments if you dare, but expect serious side eye.

Image Source: NBC via Giphy

4. "Well, You Chose to Have Children"

Yeah, parents are really stressed right now, and they're complaining a lot. No one signed up for raising kids in quarantine, so shaming them for feeling overwhelmed is seriously insensitive. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Image Source: CBS via Giphy

Watch This!

Pop Quiz

Watch the Cast of Fear Street Play a Creepy Game of Horror Movie "Would You Rather"

5. "You’re Being Paranoid"

When it comes down to it, no one really knows anything in 2020. You might think an overly cautious parent is being paranoid, just as they think you're being reckless. They won't change your mind, just as you won't change theirs.

Image Source: Universal Pictures via Giphy

6. "Your Kids Need to Socialise More"

Socialising has become a heated topic in 2020. You're entitled to believe an outdoor playdate with a few friends is fine, just as the parent in question has the right to quarantine their kids away from non-household members.

Image Source: NBC via Giphy

7. "Your House is a Mess"

Quarantine means kids are home all the time, so many exhausted parents have put tidying up on the back burner — as in it will happen sometime in 2021. They know their house is a mess, so unless you're volunteering to clean it for them, keep your comments to yourself.

Image Source: NBC via Giphy

8. "Your Kids Are Going to Fall Behind"

Parents want what's best for their kids, any many are concerned the pandemic will have a negative impact on their learning. Driving this fear home will only make them second-guess their decisions and feel more helpless in a time they need all the support they can get.

Image Source: FOX via Giphy

9. "Your Kids Need More Structure"

Obviously, life is not normal for kids right now. Parents are doing the best they can to maintain a sense of normalcy in a year that is anything but normal. Don't make them question themselves any more than they already are.

Image Source: Netflix via Giphy

Want More?

POPSUGAR Would Like To Send You Push Notifications.