Parenting is difficult. It’s not uncommon to wonder if you’re doing things right — are your kids learning enough or are they well-mannered? Do they know how important they are and will they be productive members of society? Are they being exposed to enough diversity? The questions and self-doubt are endless…and totally normal!

In thinking a lot about their early years, I couldn’t help but to laugh at some of the things I have taught my children from a mom’s perspective without even realizing it! Check them out below.

  1. You don’t know everything.

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Photo: memecrunch
  1. You can’t pull the wool over my eyes.

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Photo: uriel

3. What I say, goes.

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Photo: memegenerator

4. The less you speak, the more you learn. Listen up kiddies!

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Photo: memesource
  1. Health is wealth (i.e., sleep, water, nutrition, exercise).

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Photo: jehaan
  1. Children have a voice, too.

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Photo: twitter
  1. When your mom keeps calling you, don’t answer with, “What?” Instead, answer, “Yes mom?”

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Photo: Twitter
  1. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

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Photo: somecards
  1. We are keeping tabs on everything you do, and will always be worried sick.

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Photo: memegenerator
  1. Everything can be turned into a learning experience.

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Photo: ifunny
  1. Appreciation

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Photo: thrulens
  1. What #GrowingUpBlack truly means

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Photo: imger
  1. Responsibility

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Photo: pinterest

14. Respect the property of others.

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Photo: Instagram

15. Have all your ducks in a row before pitching to mom.

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Photo: thinknsmile

16. Stand your ground. You tried it though…

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Photo: memegenerator

17. Moms can be cool too, sometimes. But we’re still not one of your “little friends.”

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Photo: quickmeme

18. Critical-thinking skills

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Photo: nowaygirl

19. The “village” will come for you when you’re cutting up.

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Photo: funnyand

20. Early life lessons

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Photo: 90skindofworld

21. You are EVERYTHING.

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Photo: The Help

22. Be true; be you.

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Photo: fader

23. You go to school to learn.

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Photo: Instagram

24. You can’t always get your way.

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Photo: quickmeme

25. Again, I’m your parent. Not your friend.

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Photo: knowyourmeme

26. Time-outs for both parties are good for the soul.

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Photo: quickmeme

27. Your parents have your back, always.

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Photo: Instagram

28. Nobody is perfect.

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Photo: memegenerator

I hope this made you smile. And for all the moms (and dads) out there, I’m sure you’re doing just fine. Give yourselves some credit.