31 Things Parents Shouldn't Be Sorry For

You don't owe anyone an apology if you board a plane with kids in tow. But as parents, it often feels like we're constantly saying we're sorry: to kids, other parents, complete strangers. And while an apology is sometimes necessary, most of the time it isn't — no matter how hard someone tries to guilt you into one. So next time someone gives you a dirty look, just shout a simple, "sorry I'm not sorry."

01
Having a Baby Who Cries in Public
Flickr user peksh78

Having a Baby Who Cries in Public

News flash: babies cry. People need to get used to it.

02
Breastfeeding Your Baby (Especially in Public)
Shutterstock

Breastfeeding Your Baby (Especially in Public)

Babies have to eat, and they don't care who sees it.

03
Bottle-Feeding Your Baby
Flickr user kriskesiak

Bottle-Feeding Your Baby

Not every woman is capable of breastfeeding, and that's A-OK.

04
Letting Boys Be Boys, and Girls Be Girls
Flickr user adwriter

Letting Boys Be Boys, and Girls Be Girls

As long as your child knows they can be anything they want to be, it's OK for them to stick to the gender norms.

05
Disciplining Your Kids
Flickr user tntphoto

Disciplining Your Kids

Without time-outs, kids would get away with everything.

06
Needing an Extra Cup of Coffee
Flickr user andre5

Needing an Extra Cup of Coffee

Anyone who's ever been a parent knows it's exhausting. So drink all the caffeine you need!

08
Having a Child With Food Allergies
Flickr user adwriter

Having a Child With Food Allergies

They can't control how their body reacts to certain things.

09
Telling Little White Lies
Shutterstock

Telling Little White Lies

Your child doesn't need to know where babies come from. At least, not yet.

10
Skipping the Gym
Shutterstock

Skipping the Gym

Chasing after children totally counts as a workout.

11
Taking Time For Yourself
Shutterstock

Taking Time For Yourself

Because happy parents lead to happy kids.

12
Taking the Kids to a Restaurant
Shutterstock

Taking the Kids to a Restaurant

Hiding your kids in the house won't improve their dining etiquette.

13
Hiring Some Extra Help
Shutterstock

Hiring Some Extra Help

Every superhero has a helpful sidekick, and you should too!

15
Letting Kids Eat Sugar
Flickr user wildjinjer

Letting Kids Eat Sugar

An occasional treat isn't going to harm their health.

16
Saying "No"
Shutterstock

Saying "No"

Otherwise, we would have some pretty spoiled kids.

17
Staying at Home
Flickr user nate_kate

Staying at Home

Not every person needs an office job to feel fulfilled.

18
Having a Job
Shutterstock

Having a Job

Whether it's out of financial necessity or because you enjoy office life, there's no shame in being a working parent.

19
Skipping That Third Bedtime Story
Flickr user kellysikkema

Skipping That Third Bedtime Story

Because no parent wants to fumble their way through another Dr. Seuss book.

20
Keeping Kids Off Social Media
Flickr user afagen

Keeping Kids Off Social Media

The age restrictions exist for a reason.

22
Bribing Your Child With Candy
Flickr user celinesphotographer

Bribing Your Child With Candy

Because some nights you don't want to get into fights over two bites of broccoli.

23
Throwing Your Kid a Low-Key Birthday Bash
Flickr user nhanusek

Throwing Your Kid a Low-Key Birthday Bash

It's great if you can afford a lavish party, but if not, a simple sheet cake and game of musical chairs is just as fun.

24
Ordering Takeout For Dinner
Flickr user roboppy

Ordering Takeout For Dinner

It's better than letting the kids starve, right?

25
Feeling Frazzled 99 Percent of the Time
Corbis Images

Feeling Frazzled 99 Percent of the Time

With everything parents deal with, it's hard to keep it together all the time.

26
Embarrassing Your Child
Shutterstock

Embarrassing Your Child

After all, it's part of your job.

27
Traveling With Kids
Shutterstock

Traveling With Kids

Why leave the kids at home when you can all have fun together?

29
Declining Invitations
Flickr user kofoed

Declining Invitations

You lead a busy life. Don't waste precious time at a party you couldn't care less about.

30
Being Overly Protective
Flickr user macinate

Being Overly Protective

As the saying goes, better to be safe than sorry.

31
Hugging Your Child Too Tight
Flickr user photosavvy

Hugging Your Child Too Tight

Or kissing them too often. Or saying, "I love you" too much.