12 Differences Between Being a Mom on TV and a Mom in Real Life

Sure, there are definitely some similarities — from dealing with carpool to children getting into trouble — between being a mom on the silver screen and being the real deal, but for the most part, real-life parenting is not made for TV.

Not every second is a teachable moment. Not every dinner is readily made the second everyone comes home, happy and appreciative to see the meal. There isn't always a happy ending to every dilemma, and you never get the chance to reset to the next episode. From Claire Dunphy to Carol Brady, these moms are just a bit different than the rest of us. Check out the 12 biggest discrepancies between being a TV mom and an actual parent!

01
On TV: The first nights home from the hospital are like a party.
NBC

On TV: The first nights home from the hospital are like a party.

In real life: The sleepless nights will definitely get the best of you.

On TV: The first nights home from the hospital are like a party.
NBC
02
On TV: Losing the baby weight is effortless.
Bravo

On TV: Losing the baby weight is effortless.

In real life: Those last few pounds stick around longer than the kids.

On TV: Losing the baby weight is effortless.
Bravo
03
On TV: You're always photoshoot ready no matter the time or place.
E! Entertainment Television

On TV: You're always photoshoot ready no matter the time or place.

In real life: Not every moment is Instagram-worthy.

On TV: You're always photoshoot ready no matter the time or place.
E! Entertainment Television
04
On TV: School is amazing in every way!
ABC

On TV: School is amazing in every way!

In real life: Good luck with that.

On TV: School is amazing in every way!
ABC
05
On TV: Your morning routine always goes off without a hitch.
E! Entertainment Television

On TV: Your morning routine always goes off without a hitch.

In real life: You're lucky if you get shoes on their feet (bonus points for the right ones!) and lunches out the door.

On TV: Your morning routine always goes off without a hitch.
E! Entertainment Television
06
On TV: There's nothing more exciting than a family dinner.
ABC

On TV: There's nothing more exciting than a family dinner.

In real life: Pretty much anything is more appealing than having to cook.

07
On TV: Every word that comes out of your partner's mouth is gold.
ABC

On TV: Every word that comes out of your partner's mouth is gold.

In real life: You may always love them but there are days that you might not particularly like them . . . at all.

On TV: Every word that comes out of your partner's mouth is gold.
ABC
08
On TV: You're a badass mama when you lay down the law.
ABC

On TV: You're a badass mama when you lay down the law.

In real life: Punishment or not, they still think they know best.

On TV: You're a badass mama when you lay down the law.
ABC
09
On TV: Kids readily sit down to hear "the talk."
AMC

On TV: Kids readily sit down to hear "the talk."

In real life: Just because you're ready to chat doesn't mean they'll want to stick around to listen.

On TV: Kids readily sit down to hear "the talk."
AMC
10
On TV: Teens take the time to listen and appreciate all of your wise words of wisdom.
Freeform

On TV: Teens take the time to listen and appreciate all of your wise words of wisdom.

In real life: They couldn't care less about anything you had to say.

On TV: Teens take the time to listen and appreciate all of your wise words of wisdom.
Freeform
11
On TV: Your kid will come to you when they're in trouble.
NBC

On TV: Your kid will come to you when they're in trouble.

In real life: Consider yourself lucky if you even find out after the fact.

On TV: Your kid will come to you when they're in trouble.
NBC
12
On TV: You would do anything for your kid.
The CW

On TV: You would do anything for your kid.

In real life: Well, this one they got right.

On TV: You would do anything for your kid.
The CW