Every parent has asked this question at some point. No matter how much you love your child, there are moments when you wonder how you ever thought you had the patience and energy for this whole parenting thing.
The good news? The answer is always a resounding no. Your child is definitely not the only one throwing a fit because their cup is the wrong shade of blue (despite it being the one they begged for) or somehow scaling the refrigerator in the 0.3 seconds you looked away.
And it’s not just human parents dealing with these struggles—turns out, animals go through the same thing. While raising tiny humans is certainly more complicated, it’s oddly reassuring to see that kids will be kids, no matter the species.
Here are some all-too-familiar parenting woes—straight from the animal kingdom.
When You Have to Physically Relocate Your Toddler, Only for Them to Immediately Run Away
That blank stare at the end? Too relatable. One commenter summed it up perfectly: “That’s the look of let me calm down before I say something I regret.”
When You’re Trying to Pull Your Toddler Away from Something They’re Obsessed With
“Come on, sweetie… nope, this way… time to go… no, you cannot take it home… oh, look! A snack! Want some ice cream?”
When Your Baby Is Just Learning to Walk, and You Want to Help, But They Have to Learn the Hard Way Sometimes
Sweet little muffin.
When It’s Time to Leave the Playground and Your Kid Is NOT Having It
The universal struggle.
When You Try to Nap With Your Kid, But They Won’t Stop Fidgeting
“Just. Lie. Still. And. Go. To. Sleep.”
When Your Teen Thinks They Run the House
The look that says, “When you start paying rent, you can sit wherever you want.”
When Your Kid Desperately Needs a Bath but Acts Like It’s the End of the World
Some kids love bath time, some kids despise it. Apparently, pandas are no different.
When Your Kid Uses You as a Human Jungle Gym
Seriously, kid. I am not a piece of playground equipment.
When Dad Says No, So They Run to Mom Instead
If not for a yes, then at least for some sympathy.
When Mom Is Completely “Touched Out” and Running on Fumes
You're patient and affectionate 99% of the time, but that last 1%? Whew.
When the Whining Is Absolutely Relentless
Pretty sure this is the penguin equivalent of, “Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom…”
When Your Kid Is in Full Meltdown Mode and You Just Need a Break
Sometimes you talk them through their feelings. And sometimes… you step away before you lose your mind. Balance.
Parenting comes with both joys and challenges, and it’s comforting to know that we’re not alone—even in nature. And if there’s one big takeaway? It’s that most animal parents handle these chaotic moments with an impressive amount of patience.
Maybe there’s a lesson in there for all of us.