Parents Do the Darnedest Things (For Their Kids)

You know this dude was not dragging this home for his own enjoyment.

Source: Instagram user gailshock

"I can't wait to squeeze my giant body into the tiny train at the mall today," said no parent ever.

Source: Instagram user pineapplencoconut

Because she will win that ice cream party at the end of the year, even if it kills you.

Source: Instagram user fabulously_frail

Let's be honest, you're in it for the squeal factor.

Source: Instagram user kmounts16

Those soccer cleats weren't putting themselves on him.

Source: Instagram user shareerenee22

. . . Even if it's a rat. Wait, what?!

Source: Instagram user callmecat14

And yet, Santa gets all the credit.

Source: Instagram user lydiaemily

Taking your kids to the concerts they want to see is a whole new level of self sacrifice.

Source: Instagram user rglbest

It's all about the tickets, and no "happy" child leaves without a prize from behind the glass.

Source: Instagram user gingermommaof6

Sometimes a parent has to face their fears in order to get their kids to face theirs.

Source: Instagram user s_melendez

"See, honey [silently screaming], having a huge snake on your shoulders is superfun! Try it!"

Source: Instagram user mtvaughn03

Despite your fear of who put them together and your very real tendency for motion sickness.

Source: Instagram user mickeylover225

Sure, you could just buy a new one, but it's her favorite, so, yes, you'll happily be sewing those sequins back on.

Source: Instagram user simplymodernmom

Even though the kids will not be taking care of it, they will be devastated if it dies.

Source: Instagram user diana_fernholz

And then helping her make them for every single person in her school.

Source: Instagram user ina.eye

Your kids may have been on a Rainbow Loom bender, but how can you say no to another handmade bracelet? You can't — so you wear them with pride.

Source: Instagram user minat922

And then running errands around town with it in your purse.

Source: Instagram user _alexgier

You hated geography in school, but someone has to help your child figure this out.

Source: Instagram user gaby215

Just think of the memories...

Source: Instagram user nikkiraye02

So much for that Craftsman style you were originally going for.

Source: Instagram user tessafletcherwatson

Again, the Craftsman look can wait.

Source: Instagram user ambeezy_84

And then knitting her doll's clothes.

Source: Instagram user elliebelliedesign

Or at least, trying really, really hard.

Source: Instagram user denisefoxall

I know, I know, some adults love to dress in costume. But when a grown woman dresses like R2D2 just for her kids enjoyment? You go, mama!

Source: Instagram user mickeylover225

Even though your child has long since gone to bed. And you've got tons of actual work to do.

Source: Instagram user stepharoo1981

Way to take one for the team, daddy!

Source: Instagram user jdubb801

I swore I would never tie-dye anything when I had kids. Then I had kids and, like mostly everything I said before I had kids, totally proved myself wrong.

Source: Instagram user sparky_kb

True parental love is dressing a Polly Pocket (over and over again).

Source: Instagram user ashughes5

You know you want to steal this idea! Like I said, parenting makes us do the darnedest things...

Source: Instagram user greenie_sandiego