Parents are great, but sometimes they do things that make us want to disappear into the ground. The funny thing is, they think these things are totally cool. While they mean well, their attempts to stay relevant or be fun often end up being more embarrassing than impressive. Here are some of the most cringe-worthy things parents do, believing they’re cool.
1. Singing or Dancing in Front of Our Friends
Imagine hanging out with your friends, and suddenly, your mom or dad starts dancing like they’re in a music video. Or worse, they start singing loudly, thinking they sound amazing. It’s even worse when they do it in public! Parents seem to think it’s fun, but for us, it’s pure embarrassment. While they might have been great dancers in their youth, times have changed, and what was once “cool” might not be anymore. We love their enthusiasm, but maybe save the dance moves for family gatherings?
2. Posting Our Childhood Photos on Social Media
It’s bad enough when parents keep our embarrassing baby photos at home, but when they post them online for the whole world to see, it’s next-level humiliation. They think it’s cute to share our childhood moments, but for us, it feels like an invasion of privacy. Nobody wants their friends or classmates to see a picture of them covered in spaghetti sauce or running around in a diaper. A little warning before posting would be nice!
3. Trying to Use Teen Slang or Trends
Parents trying to speak like teenagers is one of the funniest and most awkward things ever. They hear us say words like “lit,” “slay,” or “no cap” and decide to use them—completely out of context. It’s even funnier when they mix up the meanings and use them in the wrong way. While we appreciate the effort, it just doesn’t sound right. Some things are better left to the younger generation.
4. Showing Up at School or Events in Uncool Outfits
Parents don’t always get fashion, and that’s okay. But when they show up at school in outdated or totally mismatched outfits, it’s hard not to cringe. Maybe it’s a dad wearing socks with sandals or a mom rocking neon colors from the ‘80s. We know they don’t do it on purpose, but sometimes we wish they would check the mirror before leaving the house.
5. Trying to Copy Youth Fashion Trends
It’s one thing when parents dress in their usual style, but when they try to dress like teenagers, it can be a disaster. Skinny jeans, ripped pants, or crop tops on parents just don’t look the same as they do on younger people. Instead of looking trendy, they often end up looking out of place. We love that they want to stay youthful, but some fashion trends just aren’t meant for everyone.
6. Yelling Our Name in Public Places
You’re walking through the mall, minding your own business, when suddenly you hear your name being shouted across the crowd. Yep, it’s your parent making sure you don’t get lost. While their intentions are sweet, it’s incredibly embarrassing, especially if your friends are around. A simple text or quiet call would work just fine!
7. Singing TikTok Songs with the Wrong Lyrics
TikTok songs are everywhere, and parents love trying to sing along. The problem? They almost never get the lyrics right. It’s funny at first, but when they confidently sing the wrong words in front of our friends, it’s hard not to cringe. Sometimes, they don’t even realize they’re messing up, making it even funnier and more awkward.
8. Showing Off Baby Photos to Everyone
Parents seem to think that our baby photos are the best way to introduce us to new people. Whether it’s family gatherings, school events, or even meeting a new friend, they always have an embarrassing baby photo ready to show off. We get it—we were cute—but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to see us in a bathtub or covered in cake at our first birthday.
At the end of the day, we know parents don’t mean to embarrass us. They just want to connect with us and have fun. While we might cringe at their attempts to be cool, we also have to admit that life would be a lot less entertaining without them. So, as much as we roll our eyes now, we’ll probably look back and laugh at these moments in the future!