Parenting Isn’t a Cakewalk and These Mothers and Fathers Are Desperate for Some Advice

Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys but it can also be one of the most challenging experiences. From sleepless nights to endless diaper changes to temper tantrums and teenage rebellion, raising children can often feel like an uphill battle.

We’re sharing the stories and struggles of real parents who are desperate for some advice. Mothers and fathers across the country have shared their stories on the Mamas Uncut Community Forum, asking how to raise kids in today’s world. From first-time parents to seasoned veterans, we’ll be exploring the highs and lows of parenthood and the lessons that community members have offered. Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned pro, we hope these stories will inspire and encourage you on your own parenting journey.

Parenting Question: Why is my toddler eating his poop?

Best Replies:

• Prayers for your son in Jesus mighty name Amen.
• Oooo we had a kid at our center like this and he was vitamin deficient! He got some therapy and treatment and was all better in 4ish months. You are so brave and such a good mom for asking for help!
• Maybe a vitamin deficiency? Or there’s a thing called pica where people crave non food items.
• As a mental health professional I promise at this age it’s not that unusual. Usually it means he has a vitamin deficiency or is getting comfort in some way. It like kids who pick their nose and eat it.

Parenting Question: What do you do when you are in your car and your child has to pee?

Best Replies:

• I’m not judging but…why didn’t you just go inside?
• It’s called pull into a parking spot and take them inside to use the restroom. It’s not that hard to do.
• They have little mini potty toilets that collapse and you store in a bag on Amazon. You just put a bag on the inside of it if and then throw it away. Works great for the car!
• I just pull over and tell her it’s only emergencies to squat…I just open the passenger front door and the back door to make a little enclosed area to feel covered.

Parenting Question: Anyone else have a child that will not stop talking?

Best Replies:

• Possible meds? Put in ear buds, white noise on headphones, can you leave him alone and go somewhere quiet? Chewing gum or teething beads or singing lessons or learning to play an instrument you have to blow into to keep his mouth occupied? Maybe steer him towards a job as a DJ? Has he always been this way or is puberty exacerbating this?
• Mine is 4 but the same way. Sometimes she talks so fast she makes up words and sounds to fill the middle of her sentences. Its a lot.
• I put on his noise canceling headphones.
• Mine is 24 and autistic. With his OCD he says yeah and I know literally at least a 1000 times a day but won’t rest until you repeat it. At least you don’t have to deal with that. Its exhausting. But you really should be grateful they can speak at all. For years I waited for mine to speak and I keep reminding myself of that.

Parenting Question: Should we allow our kids to play with kids of a different faith?

Best Replies:

• You open your minds and let your kids play with other kids.
• IF this is not a troll…why wouldn’t you? Perfect time to teach acceptance of other’s despite differences.
• Your kids are going to experience other religions throughout there life. You can’t keep your children from everyone who doesn’t have the same beliefs as you unless you lock them in your basement.
• They will be exposed to different religions in school on the playground. Sadly you can’t shelter your kids from everything that’s different.
• This… this is like, a late April Fool’s joke, right? If not, OP, PLEASE, make yourself some friends outside of your cult, because, dang.

Parenting Question: Is my little girl too old for this?

Best Replies:

• As long as she is socially okay with real life friends, I don’t really think it’s a problem. If it makes her happy & comfortable then there’s no harm. & just because your sister doesn’t agree with it doesn’t mean she needs to act like that.
• My youngest daughter will be 27 this year. She is educated, has a very good full time job, a very active and full social life, is engaged to a wonderful man, and has carried a stuffed Pluto everywhere with her since birth. He is about 3ft, or used to be before the multiple “life saving stitches”. He counts as her carry on when flying, he is just a part of her life. Your daughter will be fine. Let her be, and tell her Aunt to stay out of it.
• My 13 year old still has this panda that was her daddy’s too and she is just fine lol she might even take it to college if it makes it that long.

Parenting Question: Should I force my daughter to shave her legs and armpits?

Best Replies:

• My daughter is the same way . She hates shaving . She is twenty now and still doesn’t shave like she should . Just walks around with hairy legs. Lol Drives me crazy but I guess she isn’t bothering anyone . Lol I guess we can’t force them. I’ve told her over and over but just stopped saying anything cause she gets mad at me. Good luck!
• As someone who started out shaving because my mom shaved her legs everyday, I now shave once ever couple months, nothing wrong with body hair and its a pain in the butt to keep it all off so id let her do whatever she wants because hair really doesn’t matter.
• You said it yourself. She’s independent. She’s smart. And it seems like she’s fully aware and in tune with herself and body. Why “force” her? Because society has told us body hair on women is “not ladylike”? Break the cycle. Let her be. And I’m sure if someone was going to make fun of her it seems she’d be able to handle herself

Parenting Question: At what age should a your son no longer see you naked?

Best Replies:

• Seriously it is absolutely normal and nudity is only wrong if you make it wrong. Plenty of tribes around the world still aren’t completely clothed. She is making a big deal about nothing. I prefer no clothes as did my mother and a few of my children. When in the privacy of your home it is fine. And it isn’t her place to tell the more what to do.
• Just my opinion but no, I dont think he should. I believe that children that can understand what they are seeing shouldn’t see that anymore.
• Seems to me that you and your husband are sexualizing what shouldn’t be sexualized.
• I think children growing up exposed to nudity in a non sexual way is healthy, and will help fix all this objectification in our society.

Parenting Question: My teen asked me to buy her an adult toy: Thoughts?

Best Replies:

• I would be so happy my child came to me. I would talk to her about how to clean them and about sex but I would buy her one. Wanted to explore her own body is not a bad thing and I think if you say no she will just find another way or maybe actually have sex… be proud she came to you and just have an honest conversation.
• That would be a hard NO.
• Either that or she goes and explores and doesn’t come to you again, pick your choice.
• I don’t see why not. It kept me from seeking it from guys and saved me a lot of drama and trouble. It’s safer than her having sex.

Parenting Question: Am I teaching my kid too much too young?

Best Replies:

• He should know that word. Same with penis. They aren’t bad words. You aren’t teaching him too much. You’re doing great! Tell your husband to grow up. If the words bother him then maybe there’s something with your hubby.
• My daughter is almost 3 and she learned all that at a young age. I’d rather them know early and be able to speak up if something happens than not know anything at all.
• I honestly think it’s best to teach kids what everything is called as early as they can comprehend it, without using other words in place of them.
• Teaching children the proper name for body parts is super important.

Parenting Question: We are struggling to parent our teen who is also a parent

Best Replies:

• Your treating her like a regular sixteen year old… she isn’t. Let her learn the hard way. She wanted to grow up fast and be a parent. Let her see how hard it is.
• My daughter is 16 and bought her own $500 phone. Best believe I’m taking it when she ain’t acting right. If you are grounded from electronics it don’t matter who paid for the damn thing it’s gone. I would turn the wifi off because she can’t use it without the wifi unless it’s hooked up to a phone plan. But like I said I’d take it. And give her no option. Tell her to get her shit together and until she does so she can’t see/talk to the boyfriend. Homework first.
• I’m sorry but you can’t treat a mom like a child.
• What a tough situation. Im sorry, you’re going through this. If it was my house my rules would be followed. If the rules aren’t followed… Time to move out, get a job, and pay their own bills while they still know everything.

Parenting Question: What to do about a terrifying step child?

Best Replies:

• This child sounds like he’s in early stages of being a sociopath or psychopath. You need to get him into therapy treatment or to see psychologist. Do NOT neglect this behavior, it can become very serious. I don’t think it’s safe to leave your other children alone with him ever. He needs serious help. Abusing animals and hurting other children is main aspects of an onset psychopath. He’s showing he lacks empathy and compassion for others, that’s sociopathic tendencies. I hope you find help.
• Dad needs to get him in therapy ASAP! This is a normal behavior to say I wish they weren’t here but it’s usually jealousy… his situation sounds far more serious though and now is the time to turn things around for this little guy or it will never happen.
• I wouldnt be having him in the same room as my child if I’m not in the room u need 2 tell ur husband before something seriously happens.

Parenting Question: How can I get my two year old to stop swearing?

Best Replies:

• You’re reacting too big. Just casually say “that’s not a nice word. We don’t say that.” You can give him an alternative. When my son was a young 2, he picked up “oh shit” which we told him to replace with “oh gosh” When he was closer to 3, he picked up “what the fuck” but had no idea it was bad. So I just told him “we don’t say that word” and he said okay. He used it a few more before he got the picture, but we never reacted big to either or else he would have tested us more or kept doing it for the reaction.
• You give him a new word to use and correct him when he doesn’t. Often times, ignoring it is best.
• The best thing you can do at that age is not acknowledge it. If they know they will get a reaction from you, they will continue to do it.
• Please dont pinch his lip. Dont do what you are not ok with him doing. Are you wanting him to go to daycare and pinching other kids.

Parenting Question: I caught my teen looking at half naked women on tiktok: Advice?

Best Replies:

• Time to bust out the seggs talk.
• It’s normal at that age, don’t think it’s anything to make a big deal out of.
• Normal… won’t be long now till you find crusty socks and washclothes under the bed.
• Talk to him. This is pretty age appropriate behavior… we talked to my son about the dangers of surfing the web for things and how most the time what he’ll find is an inaccurate description of acts/women. ( I.e porns and such) we talked about consent and how he was still to young to be looking at things but it was normal. Don’t make them feel shamed or abnormal for it… it’s absolutely normal and you really want to open the door for honesty.
• Consider kids are starting way earlier than that now and days. You should of had a sex talk with him. My god my brother hid playboys under his mattress he bought at school (people sell them out of their lockers) in 6th grade .

Parenting Question: My 7 year old has accidents when my boyfriend babysits, should I be worried?

Best Replies:

• Youre not gunna want to hear this, but… …get him checked for sexual assault. Thats one of the biggest signs, having accidents around certain people.
• As a mental health therapist, I’m warning that’s a sign of trauma. Get him checked out.
• My mom always told me accidents happen after sexual assault and from experience it’s true…
• Yeah. At 7 this is not okay. He shouldn’t be left with the boyfriend again. Ever.

As you’ve seen, parenting is not for the faint of heart! It’s an experience that tests your limits, pushes you to your breaking point, and yet rewards you with some of life’s greatest joys. Our hope is that these stories from real parents have given you a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of raising children.

For even more from our forum, keep reading. We’ve got the wildest questions and comments about marriage to share with you as well.

Question: Would I be in the wrong if I rehomed my husbands dog?

Best Replies:

• I def wouldn’t wait til he’s gone to rehome his dog. This should def be something ya’ll figure out before he leaves.
• I feel like its wrong… My opinion though.
• Ask him to do it before he leaves. Do not do it while he’s gone without telling him or talking to him about it. I gotta be honest if my significant other rehomed my dog without speaking to me about it that would be grounds for divorce in my home.

Question: Does it sound like my husband is seeing someone?

Best Replies:

• Not to be the one here that jumps to conclusions, but if something feels off, it usually is. Nothing wrong with checking phone records just to be sure… if you trust your husband then trust your husband, but if you feel suspicious keep an eye out for other signs.
• Time to go into spy mode! Don’t mention it again to him and act like everything is fine until you can get more solid evidence that he can’t deny.
• If I found a woman’s hairclip in my husband’s car I’d flip my lid.

Question: Is it appropriate for a married man to be drinking in a hot tub with another woman?

Best Replies:

• Must’ve been an interesting conversation…
• I would not like that personally. I’d just bring it up to your husband. Boundaries are important.
• Yeah that’s a hard no for me too. I’d lose my s**t.

Question: My Husband Won’t Give Me Access to His Bank Account Because His Mom Tells Him Not To: Advice?

Best Replies:

• Leave. That’s financial abuse.
• I’m sorry but you need to move on.
• If you are married, he should trust you with the bank account. You shouldn’t have to ask for money. If he can’t trust you with that you shouldn’t be with him.

Question: I found out my husband gets coffee daily from topless women: Advice?

Best Replies:

• I’d be flipping tables.
• He’s a jerk. How would he like you getting coffee from a junk-exposing dude?
• Not overreacting. You should walk around topless. Go to the store and family eventos topless and then see if he “over reacts”

Question: My husband sweared at me at our friends house over a pineapple: Do I have a right to be upset?

Best Replies:

• It starts with verbal abuse… they are always sorry.
• F**k him. He’s a control freak drop him. It’s only going to get worse.
• He seems off/childish and rude. And a man would never disrespect his wife.

Question: AITA for getting mad at my husbands compliments?

Best Replies:

• Be grateful you get compliments from your hubs & loves you… alot if women don’t get any of that, ever…
• Maybe try talking to him about how his comments make you feel. Explain to him what’s going on. He can’t read your mind love, you need to communicate with him.
• My husband does this and I love that he tells me regularly that he still finds me sexy. Is there maybe a different reason this is bothering you?

Question: My husband wants to leave my for a girl in another country that he met online, what do I do?

Best Replies:

• Before you do anything with community property, find out what your rights are. You don’t want his attorney coming at you, for wrongful acts on your part. Whether he goes to the other women or not, I would have him out of my life. There are just so many things wrong with him as a man, a husband and a father.
• Kick him out girl ! Make him feel like s**t too he’s using you for now basically.
• Good riddance. Let him go.

RELATED: Michelle Obama Gives Sound Advice on Marriage and Relationships While Promoting Her Newest Book Titled ‘The Light We Carry’

Question: Am I overreacting to my husband’s comments on our special needs child?

Best Replies:

• I don’t think you’re overreacting, that’s heartbreaking. I’m sure it’s stressful but that’s no reason to say something mean, especially when it’s you doing everything anyways. Say something to your husband. Tell him if he thinks his son is an inconvenience then he can just go without you guys, as well as he needs to change his attitude because you will not allow your daughter to see this and think it’s okay. After hearing that comment I wouldn’t want to be around him either.
• Drag your husband to counseling and make it known his attitude is not welcome, him and his family are teaching the children that being handicapped in anyway means they don’t have to be included and that is wrong. If he isn’t prepared to change boot his ass to the curb. I wouldn’t have let any of the children go it was a family trip not a trip for the selected ones.
• I couldn’t imagine my husband acting that way to our children. It’s very sad you’re not in the wrong at all.

Question: What would you do if your partner downloaded tinder and said it was for work?

Best Replies:

• “Believe what you want” is classic. He’s doing something wrong. Period.
• The fact he actually thought you would buy such a lame excuse is insulting and then ‘Believe what you like’… He’s checked out. Time to move on.
• What job would require you to download tinder anyway? Come on, I don’t think you need anyone else to tell you what’s going on.

Question: Does your spouse time you when you do something?

Best Replies:

• That is insanely controlling!!! I don’t even want to think of what else this man does that is completely unacceptable and uncalled for. It’s only going to get worse over time though. #boybye
• Tell your spouse to bugger off. If they want it done faster tell them to do it!
• Time him during sex and then say he needs to last longer.

Question: Has anyones spouse had wet dreams?

Best Replies:

• It’s VERY common! However, it’s not always discussed. ( I’m not saying that’s a good thing, Just that it occurs). I do think that it is something that needs to be normalized (in and out of relationships), and discussed.
• Well, I can’t see my spouse’s dreams so going from pure logic and sense…probably. :rofl: doesn’t everyone at some point…
• Why would you even post something like this? SMH!!!

Question: Is my husband normal?

Best Replies:

• This is NOT normal. Dont let these women tell you that it is or that you should feel grateful for the attention. You owe him nothing, absolutely nothing, especially if it makes you uncomfortable. My husband was like this for years and years until I finally said Im DONE and Im leaving. He finally agreed to go to marriage counseling and it has helped tremendously. He understands why I dont like it, and that it is not my love language. I understand that it is his but I do have to work extra hard to be able to be intimate after all the years of unwanted touching. Do not let it get to the point that you resent your partner, speak up now, tell him to stop and if need be insist on a marriage counselor. No one deserves to feel like a possession instead of a human with their own feelings.
• Idk. I don’t think it’s unusual but it would definitely get on my nerves.
• He wants you… I will warn. Men like this are obsessed early and may find themselves less obsessed later.

Question: Would you be okay with your spouse going to a strip club?

Best Replies:

• I know my husband won’t cheat and he will come home to me at the end so I don’t mind.
• Nope. Not mine… If he wants to get off watching other people take their clothes off and dance naked he can f**k right off.
• If you’re uncomfortable with your husband going to a strip club for a bachelor’s party with his best buds you might want to reevaluate the relationship.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 15 Most Unbelievable Questions Ever Asked on Our Community Forum

Question: Do I need permission from my husband to visit my family?

Best Replies:

• No, you do not. He is not your parent.
• You don’t need permission! My husband used to do this and would said we had something to do but we would spend the whole weekend at his moms. So one day i was done with it and I told him, we are going to spend one weekend with your mom and one weekend with mine. If he didn’t want to visit my mom then I wouldn’t visit his….good luck to you!
• F**k no, you’re a grown a*s woman.

Marriage is a complex and beautiful journey that comes with its own set of challenges. Asking questions and seeking advice from others can be incredibly helpful in navigating those challenges and finding ways to make the most out of your marriage.

We hope that these 15 juiciest community questions about marriage have provided you with some insight into the realities of married life and some food for thought on how to approach certain situations. Remember, every marriage is unique, and what works for one couple may not work for another. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your partner to find what works best for you and to keep the love and passion alive in your marriage.