Parenting Truths: The little things that test our patience

While parenting is a rewarding journey, it’s not without its frustrations. From constant interruptions to the never-ending messes, these small but persistent irritations can add up. As a form of dad therapy, I wanted to explore some of the most common things that annoy parents and how we can manage them with humour and patience. Spolier-alert, it’s not always possible, and that is okay. Let’s get started with some parenting truths.

1. Repeating yourself over and over

One of the top complaints from parents is having to repeat themselves multiple times before their children listen or act. Whether it’s asking them to clean their room or reminding them to put on their shoes, the constant repetition can drive any parent up the wall. I am pretty sure my boys will forget to hang their wet towels up for the rest of their lives. It’s not just about being ignored; it’s about feeling like your words don’t carry weight until you’ve said them five times. Children (and teens) often get distracted or simply don’t prioritize what their parents are asking. While this is a normal part of childhood development, it doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Some parents have found success by using visual reminders, like chore charts, or by implementing a “one ask” rule where privileges are lost if they don’t listen the first time. We have tried charts in the past and while they work for a bit due to a prize such as stickers, they fall off after a few weeks.

2. The Never-ending mess

If there’s one thing that unites all parents, it’s the battle against clutter and mess. From toys scattered across the living room to dirty clothes left on the floor (or wet towels), dealing with messes can feel like a full-time job. One of the most common complaints is when kids leave things just inches away from where they belong—dirty clothes beside the hamper or dishes near but not in the sink. It amazes me how many candy wrappers or some pieces of paper sit on the floor next to the garbage can. While teaching kids to clean up after themselves is an ongoing process, many parents find solace in setting clear expectations and routines. For example, having designated clean-up times each day can help keep things under control without feeling overwhelming. Also, bribing works and you should not feel bad about doing it.

3. Interruptions at inconvenient times

Parents know all too well the frustration of being interrupted at crucial moments—whether it’s during an important work call or when you’ve finally sat down for a moment of peace. Children seem to have an uncanny ability to need something urgent just as you’re about to enjoy your meal or finish a task. While it’s natural for young children to seek attention, setting boundaries around certain activities can help reduce interruptions. For instance, explaining that during dinner or work time, they need to wait unless it’s an emergency can teach them patience and respect for your time.

4. Sibling squabbles

If you have more than one child, sibling rivalry is almost inevitable—and it can be one of the most exhausting parts of parenting. Whether they’re fighting over toys or bickering about who gets to sit in the front seat, constant arguments between siblings can wear down even the most patient parent. While conflict between siblings is normal and even beneficial for learning social skills, it’s important to set ground rules for how they should resolve disagreements. Teaching them how to communicate their feelings and take turns can help reduce the frequency of these squabbles. Or, try the bribing angle again. Whatever works so you can have 10 minutes of peace.

5. Selective hearing

Parents often joke about their kids having “selective hearing”—they seem to hear perfectly when you mention dessert or screen time but suddenly go deaf when asked to do chores or homework. This selective listening can be incredibly frustrating because it feels like they’re deliberately ignoring you. Just to be clear – they are. To combat this, some parents use positive reinforcement by rewarding good listening behaviour rather than focusing solely on when they don’t listen. This approach encourages kids to pay attention more consistently without turning every request into a battle. I also suggest using your “Dad” voice to get their attention.

6. The Constant need for snacks

Many parents are familiar with the never-ending requests for snacks throughout the day. It seems like no matter how much food you provide at mealtime, kids are always hungry 20 minutes later. This constant snacking can be particularly annoying when you’ve just finished cleaning up from lunch or dinner. One way to manage this is by setting specific snack times and offering healthy options that will keep them fuller longer. Additionally, involving your kids in meal planning and preparation might help them understand why constant snacking isn’t ideal.

7. Overprotectiveness (From both sides)

As much as we want to protect our children from harm, being overprotective can sometimes backfire and lead to frustration on both sides. Kids often feel annoyed when parents hover too much—whether it’s constantly asking if they have everything they need for school or monitoring their every move online. On the flip side, parents get frustrated when their children resist safety measures like wearing helmets or following curfews. Striking a balance between giving kids independence while ensuring their safety is key here. Open communication about why certain rules exist can help children feel more empowered while still respecting parental boundaries.

8. The Digital dilemma

In today’s tech-driven world, managing screen time has become a major source of frustration for many parents. Whether it’s battling over video games or trying to limit time spent on social media, finding a healthy balance between digital entertainment and other activities is no easy task. Setting clear guidelines around screen usage—such as no screens during meals or before bed—can help establish healthier habits without turning technology into a constant source of conflict.

9. The “Why” phase

Every parent goes through the “why” phase at some point—when your child asks “why” about everything under the sun. While curiosity is a wonderful trait in children, answering an endless stream of questions can be mentally exhausting. One strategy some parents use is turning the question back on their child: “What do you think?” This not only gives you a break but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills in your child.

10. Comparing your parenting style

Finally, one of the less talked about but equally annoying aspects of parenting is dealing with unsolicited advice from other parents or comparisons between your child and others. Whether it’s comments about how you discipline your child or how early someone else’s kid started walking, these comparisons can create unnecessary stress and self-doubt. The best way to handle this is by remembering that every child—and every parent—is different. What works for one family may not work for another, and that’s okay. 

Feel better knowing we all go through it? I hope so.

While parenting comes with its fair share of annoyances—from repeating yourself endlessly to managing sibling rivalries—it also offers countless moments of joy and fulfillment. By recognizing these common frustrations and finding ways to manage them with humour and patience, we can navigate the ups and downs of parenthood with grace (and maybe even a little laughter).

Oh before I go, you are wondering, no really, where is the list of the little things that annoy parents??

Here are the classics:

• The “I just sat down” phenomenon
• The mysterious case of missing socks
• The diaper blowout surprise
• The “sleep when baby sleeps” lie
• Toy invasion
• The never-ending buckles
• The “I forgot” excuse
• Weaponized incompetence (aka “Dad does it better”)
• Leave empty food containers in the fridge.
• Ask for help with homework, then argue that we are wrong.
• Refuse to wear a jacket when it’s freezing outside.
• Slam doors for no apparent reason.
• Use all the hot water and leave none for anyone else.
• Constantly lose shoes five minutes before leaving the house.
• Leave lights on in every room they leave.
• Never replace the toilet paper roll.
• Say “I’m bored” five minutes after getting a new toy.
• Forget to flush the toilet.
• Spill something and cover it with a towel instead of cleaning it up.
• Leave dirty dishes near the sink, but not in it.
• Complain about being tired but refuse to go to bed.
• Ask “Are we there yet?” repeatedly on road trips.
• Hide important school papers until the last minute.
• Take forever to get dressed, then complain about being late.
• Borrow our stuff and never return it (especially phone chargers).
• Make a mess right after we have cleaned up.
• Wear mismatched socks to important events.
• Forget about school projects until the night before they’re due.
• Spill crumbs all over the couch and pretend not to notice.
• Ask for money constantly, even though they just got allowance.
• Fake sick to get out of chores or school, then miraculously recover when it’s playtime.
• Leave wet towels on the bed or floor after showering. (My top-ranked one currently)

So what gets you? What little thing bothers you more than it should? Please share in the comments.