I know without a hint of doubt that I never want to be a parent. I just don’t have it in me. I’m terrible with children. They annoy me, they’re sometimes gross, and they make huge messes. I don’t know how you’re supposed to talk to kids without patronizing them. The overall arrangement wouldn’t be good for me or the child.

But that doesn’t mean other people shouldn’t become parents. There are so many responsible, incredible individuals out there who would make perfect parents. There are also those on the other side of the spectrum. People who have no business taking care of another living being. And there are a lot of red flags for potentially bad parents.

In an Askreddit thread, user /u/SafetySnorkel posed the question, «What are some signs you should NOT become a parent?» That’s a very good question. Answers varied, but for the most part, they were super spot-on. If someone can’t take care of themself or if someone doesn’t even want kids, incredible answers. We’ve collected some of the most interesting and apt things people had to say.