Parenting Fails I’m Weirdly Proud Of


 By Niki Gent


Let’s be honest: if you’ve never had a parenting fail, you’re either not a parent or you’re lying to yourself (and possibly your children). The truth is, parenting is a marathon of small wins, big lessons, and the kind of epic fails that make for the very best family stories. And you know what? I’m not ashamed of mine—actually, I’m weirdly proud of them.
In the spirit of keeping it real, here are just a few of my greatest hits (and yes, my kids will never let me forget them):

1. The School Drop-Off… On a Pupil Free Day

After having baby number two, I was deep in the newborn trenches—sleep-deprived, slightly delirious, and grateful for any help. My mother, bless her, stepped up and offered to take child number one to school. The only problem? It was a pupil free day. The school was closed. We both missed the memo, and my poor kid stood at the front office wondering why he was the only one there. (Sorry, mate. I’ll share that fail with Grandma.)


2. The International Airport Mix-Up (Sort Of)

I once organised to pick my son up from the airport. Simple, right? Except I got the date wrong. He arrived a whole day earlier than I thought. And while it was only New Zealand, he still tells the story as if he landed in Afghanistan and had to survive on his wits and airport vending machine snacks. (He’s fine. He’ll dine out on that story for years.)


3. The “Broken Arm? Have a LCM” Incident

Child number three broke his arm—at the exact same park, almost exactly a year after he’d broken it the first time. What are the odds? I’ll admit, I didn’t take him to hospital straight away. In my defense, I honestly thought, “Surely it can’t be broken again!” The kids now claim I left him for three weeks before I took him in. I swear, it was the next day. (He’s fine. His arm works. And yes, I do feel a little guilty.)


4. The Birthday Party That Wasn’t

I once dropped a child off at a birthday party, handed them over to the host, waved goodbye, and went to enjoy a rare, hot tea. When I came back, I was told the party was actually the following week. In my defense, I physically handed my child to the host, and nobody said a word! We all had a laugh (and I got to finish my tea in peace).


5. The Name Game

I’m not proud to admit it, but I have called my kids by the wrong name more times than I can count—including the names of beloved pets, and, on occasion, even the dearly departed dog. If you haven’t yelled “Molly! I mean, Milo! I mean, Melissa! I mean… oh, you know who you are!” then are you even a parent?


6. The Forgotten Pick-Ups, Parties, and Dress-Up Days

Late to sport pick-up? Check. Missed a class party or dress-up day? Double check. Let’s just say, my calendar management skills are a work in progress. But here’s the thing: my kids survived—and now they have stories to tell their therapists (and their own kids, one day).


The Real Lesson

Here’s what I’ve learned: parenting fails are inevitable. But they’re also proof that we’re trying, we’re human, and we’re showing up—even if it’s at the wrong time, on the wrong day, or with the wrong name on our lips. My kids survived my mistakes (and so did I). They learned to be flexible, to forgive, and to laugh at life’s little disasters.
So, if you’re feeling guilty about a recent parenting fail, take heart. One day, it’ll be a funny story—maybe even one you’re weirdly proud of.

P.S. Now as a grandmother, my grandsons think I’m perfect—but my own kids will never let me forget these parenting fails. They survived, and I reckon they turned out pretty great (even if they still tease me about it)!



About Niki Gent
Niki Gent is the founder of Family and Child Consultants, a trauma-informed social worker, mum of four, and proud survivor of countless parenting fails. She believes the best families are built on love, laughter, and a healthy dose of humility (and coffee).

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