Dad Responds Sarcastically To Stranger Who Questioned His Parenting & Told Him ‘You Really Have To Know What You’re Doing’

Aug 04, 2023

Parenting can be a hard nut to crack for everyone. However, it can be more difficult for first-time parents. Having to deal with sleepless nights, a sick baby or feeding the baby regularly can take a toll on them, especially when they have no one to help out. Meanwhile, caring for a child doesn’t end when the baby grows into a toddler. Homework, school activities and chores that involve the child will also require some getting used to for the parents. In situations like that, first-time parents often try to take things as they occur and learn on the job regardless of their age and profession. 

Sometimes, people become parents as teenagers or young adults and have to maneuver their way around parenting. With the right people around them and proper counsel, they can get the hang of it and parent effectively. However, young parents can sometimes be judged unfairly by people who assume they can’t be good parents. 

Similarly, older people can suffer from the assumption that they don’t need help and so miss out on some helpful tips. Regardless of which situation parents find themselves in, it is important to either seek help and counsel when they need it or put their foot down when confronted with unhelpful advice. 

A dad shared how he responded to a random mom’s snooping at an event when she found out how young he was. However, the stranger did not take his sarcasm nicely and felt offended. The dad then asked the Reddit community on July 25, 2023, if he was wrong to have answered her that way. Continue reading to see the man’s hilarious response to the mom’s question. 

A 21-year-old single dad who goes by the username ThrowRAheadinpain asked Redditors on July 25, 2023, for their opinions on his response to a stranger who grilled him about his parenting skills. The Original Poster (OP) explained that his daughter’s mom, also in her 20s, only showed up during major occasions like birthdays and Christmas. 

He shared that something happened when he took his daughter to a birthday party during the weekend and stayed for the event. He also knew some of the parents there. 

“At this point, I’m used to watching people work out the age math in real time,” the Redditor shared. “I’ve explained that I know I’m young, but, I’d like to think I deserve some kudos for being 5 years in, and I’d like to think I’m not totally incompetent.”

During the event, a random mom asked to identify his daughter. She did the same with hers and then started snooping about his relationship with his daughter, as she asked, "So, are you an older cousin pulling chauffeur duty or a step-brother or..." The OP told her he was the dad, and when she recovered from the shock, she asked for his daughter’s mom and learned she wasn’t involved. The woman then said, "Jeez, and, you know what you're doing?"

“I said that I take it day by day, situation by situation,” OP told her. “She goes, ‘You really have to know what you’re doing,’” and OP answered that he understood. 

The stranger then asked what he would do if he started to "slip." 

“I told her my plan is to drive Morgan into the woods, tape $20 dollars to her wrist, give her a hearty handshake, wish her good luck, and tell her to run free,” he responded sarcastically. 

However, the woman got angry and told him he was immature. Meanwhile, OP didn’t let it bother him and just hugged his daughter and told her he loved her. 

Most Redditors who commented on the post thought that the man was right and gave a brilliant answer. 

“Nta,” someone wrote. “My oldest was also 5 when I was 21. I had that exact conversation with a woman who had her first at 40. I responded with I think it’s wonderful when grandparents are involved and how young she looked. Her reaction was glorious.”

Another Redditor thought that age didn’t matter. 

“NTA, your age has nothing to do with knowing how to parent. We’re all first time parents at some point,” the second Redditor responded. “I’m 32 and pregnant with my first. I also plan on taking it 'day by day situation by situation'. That’s the best any of us can hope to do. You’re doing awesome just being there consistently for your child and she sees that. Keep it up!”

“Hahahaha!!! NTA. Excellent response to a ridiculous person,” a third person quipped.

Some Redditors were particularly miffed at the stranger’s inability to mind her business, while some thought the OP was mature. 

“NTA, and your response was hilarious. Also, you sound like an incredibly mature person for your age and a good dad,” a Redditor wrote. 

“NTA," a fifth Redditor opined. “Her line of questioning, while perhaps done with good intentions, was insulting and she should have known that. If she is the type who is going to be insulted by a sarcastic response to a rude question, she’s going to have a hell of a hard time parenting during the teenage years. Just remember, your kid will grow to have your sarcasm. I know this because I’ve lived through it, and every time they snap back a ludicrous response with a straight-face I can barely keep from sobbing with pride. Keep at it, amigo,” they cheered. 

What do you think of the man’s response? Do you think he answered the stranger appropriately? Do you think her question was borne out of concern or judgment? What would have been your response to her question? Let us know — and be sure to pass this on to your friends and family!