There is no such thing as a perfect parent, and everyone is going to make mistakes along the way. Still, some behaviors stand out as bigger warning signs than forgetting a school event or occasionally losing your patience. When people online were asked what immediately makes them think someone is a bad parent, the answers ranged from constantly staring at a phone to refusing to apologize when they’re wrong. Many had less to do with individual mistakes and more to do with patterns that leave kids feeling ignored, embarrassed, or unable to trust their parents. Here are 15 behaviors people singled out as particularly bad signs.©UnsplashIgnoring Your Kid Because You’re on Your PhoneSeveral people mentioned parents who stay glued to their phones while their children repeatedly try to get their attention. Being physically present doesn’t mean much if you’re never actually paying attention.©UnsplashTurning Your Child Into Social Media ContentConstantly filming kids for social media was another red flag, especially when they’re upset or vulnerable. Some moments probably don’t need an audience.©UnsplashGiving a Toddler a Screen All DayPeople called out parents who rely on phones or tablets to keep young children occupied all day. One former school counselor said they’d seen parents use screens simply to avoid entertaining their kids.©UnsplashNever Actually Spending Time With Your KidsOne answer was remarkably simple: never spending time with your children. As another person pointed out, those parents may eventually wonder why their adult kids don’t visit.©UnsplashMaking Your Kid Afraid to Tell You the TruthIf children expect punishment every time they’re honest, they may eventually stop being honest altogether. Redditors especially criticized parents who promise there won’t be consequences and then punish the child anyway.©UnsplashHumiliating Your Child in PublicCorrecting a child’s behavior doesn’t have to involve embarrassing them in front of other people. One commenter specifically identified regular public humiliation as a major warning sign.©UnsplashConstantly Criticizing How Your Kid LooksOne person recalled having good exam results overshadowed by a parent’s comments about their hair, posture, and appearance. Turning every positive moment into another criticism can stick with a kid.©UnsplashTrying to Win Every Argument With Your KidOne commenter described a parent who kept pushing arguments with his teenager long after the conversation should have ended. Parenting probably shouldn’t be about proving you can win a debate against a 14-year-old.©UnsplashMaking Your Child Manage Your EmotionsSeveral people remembered feeling responsible for keeping their parents happy or preventing them from getting upset. That can leave the child taking on an emotional role that should belong to the adult.©UnsplashBeing Jealous of Your Own KidJealousy was one of the most popular answers in the discussion. Parents competing with their children instead of celebrating their successes struck plenty of people as a serious red flag.©UnsplashNot Knowing Basic Things About Your ChildNot knowing your child’s allergies, doctor, clothing size, or teacher was another sign people mentioned. Those basic details can reveal just how involved a parent actually is in their kid’s life.©UnsplashPutting Soda in a Baby BottleMore than one person brought up seeing babies or toddlers drinking soda from bottles. One commenter who had worked in pediatrics said they’d encountered it multiple times.©UnsplashIgnoring Basic Car Seat SafetyImproper car seat use also made the list. Commenters mentioned kids being moved out of car seats or boosters too early and riding without being properly secured.©UnsplashNever Admitting When You’re WrongParents make mistakes too, but refusing to acknowledge them was the problem for several commenters. A genuine apology can go much further than pretending the mistake never happened.©UnsplashTreating Your Kid Like PropertyOne person summed up the problem as treating children like possessions rather than individuals. Kids eventually become independent adults, whether their parents are ready for that or not.The post 15 People Share Their Signs That Someone is a Bad Parent appeared first on Den of Geek.