15 Behaviors That Drive Parents Crazy
- Chris Theisen
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Parenting is a wild ride—full of tender moments, unforgettable milestones, and yes… behaviors that make us question our sanity on a daily basis. Whether you’re raising a toddler, a tween, or an eye-rolling teenager, kids have a special talent for pushing buttons no one even knew existed. If you’ve ever found yourself muttering “Why is this my life?” while stepping on building blocks or arguing about shoes, this list is for you.
Backtalk and sass – That sharp tone or eye roll when you ask them to do something feels like nails on a chalkboard.
Ignoring instructions – Whether it’s “put on your shoes” or “turn off the TV,” kids have a remarkable ability to act as though they didn’t hear you.
Constant whining – The sing-song plea for snacks, toys, or “just five more minutes” can wear down even the most patient parent.
Selective hearing – Amazingly, they can’t hear you call them for dinner, but they’ll come running if you whisper the word “ice cream.”
Sibling squabbles – The never-ending arguments over toys, space, or who got the bigger piece of cake test every parent’s peacekeeping skills.
Mess explosions – A clean room can transform into a disaster zone in mere minutes, and somehow, no one is responsible.
Picky eating – Refusing anything green, claiming to be “full” after two bites, then begging for dessert five minutes later.
Asking the same question repeatedly – Even after you’ve answered clearly, they’ll ask again, as if repetition might magically change the answer.
Tantrums in public – Nothing raises a parent’s stress level faster than a meltdown in the grocery store aisle.
Dragging out bedtime – Suddenly they’re thirsty, need to use the bathroom, or absolutely must tell you about something that happened two weeks ago.
Interrupting – Kids love to jump into adult conversations with “Mom, Mom, MOM!” no matter how serious the topic at hand.
Refusing to get dressed – Pajamas seem glued to their bodies on school mornings, but they’ll happily change outfits five times on weekends.
Endless negotiations – Every request turns into a debate, complete with counteroffers, loopholes, and “but you said yesterday…”
Screen obsession – The struggle to get them off tablets, TVs, or gaming consoles can feel like prying a favorite toy from their hands.
Pretending not to know how to do things – From putting on shoes to brushing teeth, suddenly they’re helpless—until it’s something they want to do.
Of course, while these behaviors may drive us absolutely up the wall, they’re also part of what makes parenting the unpredictable, messy, and meaningful adventure it is. Someday, long after the toys are donated and the tantrums are forgotten, these moments might even become the stories we laugh the hardest about. In the meantime, take a deep breath, find the humor, and remember: you’re definitely not the only parent wondering how selective hearing can be such a powerful superpower.
