Photos That Made Kids Realize Their Parents Were Cooler Than They Were

Whether you have a particularly good relationship with your parents or a more lackluster one, there's a chance that you find it rather enjoyable to hear about them as kids, or more specifically, as teenagers and young adults. The world changes so fast, and a single generational difference presents two entirely different cultures. This rings especially true if your parents were a bit on the older end of starting to have children. My parents were like that.

My dad was a scrawny, nerdy type until his junior year of high school. Suddenly, he was tall, swarthy, and "cool." My mom was an all-around badass. She hopped on the back of motorcycles and punched guys in the nose for coming on too strong. How do you not love hearing stuff like that about your parents? The best part is when your parents pull out pictures from their youth, and you can see with your own two eyes how cool they were.

And sometimes you find yourself commiserating a bit because you'll never be as cool as they once were.

1. Who doesn't appreciate an ancient selfie?

According to relationship expert Dr. Alexandra Solomon, "Parents often have fascinating stories and experiences that reveal their unique personalities, making them seem cooler in the eyes of their children." This sentiment resonates with many, as illustrated by a user who shared a nostalgic moment: "1969 Vietnam: My father's version of a selfie before selfies were a thing."

mastiffmum

2. Coolest photo ever?

"Chuck Norris pinned by my dad." - Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Parenting Expert

Your dad is the coolest dad. As Dr. Tsabary states, "The relationship we have with our parents shapes our self-esteem and worldview, making them our first heroes." This sentiment resonates with many, highlighting the unique bond that often leads children to view their parents as larger-than-life figures.

LanaDelRayquaza

3. "My Mother Doing A Handstand On Two Skateboards (Circa 1980s)"

Meanwhile, one in three kids today in the U.S. are obese.

Nirokie

4. "My Mom In The Police Academy, 1984"

That's a badass photo.

hellooooo3

5. The Educated Momma

Parenting expert Dr. Janet Lansbury states:

"Children often see their parents as role models, and moments like these can significantly impact their perception of their parents' capabilities and coolness. It's essential for parents to share their passions and achievements with their children, as it fosters admiration and respect."FrenchFriesGate

6. "My Dad Diving Off The Starboard Fin Of A Submarine And Into The Pacific Ocean In The Summer Of 1983"

This is a supremely cool photograph.

MightyCorndog

7. Stylish

Relationship expert Dr. William Doherty states:

"Parents often have fascinating stories that reveal their adventurous pasts, making them seem cooler in the eyes of their children." This sentiment resonates with many as they reflect on their parents' youthful experiences, like those captured in nostalgic photographs.RobinThomass

8. "My mom flew helicopters for the army in the 80s"

That's one cool mom.

completedisaster

9. "My Friends' Parents Are Celebrating Their 47th Anniversary This Week. Here's Them Being Badasses In The 70s"

Happy Anniversary!

DoubleM515

10. "My Favorite Picture of My Mom."

1984 Louisiana, Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author of "Grit," emphasizes the importance of perseverance and passion in achieving success. She states, "The ability to see our parents in their youthful endeavors can inspire us to pursue our own passions." This sentiment resonates with Reddit user Dr. Angela Duckworth, who appreciates a picture of her mom, the only girl in her welding class, as it reflects both courage and determination.

lizzyhaze

11. "My Father Who Shipped His Bike Over To England And Rode All Over Europe On It - 1973 "

Dedicated to the ride.

lionhearted828

12. Maximum Relaxed, Maximum Cool

Relationship expert Dr. Alexandra Solomon states:

"Parents often have experiences that seem far more adventurous and exciting than those of their children, creating a sense of awe and admiration. This dynamic can foster deeper connections and understanding between generations."TheCKBandit

13. Dun, Dun!

"My mom was a homicide detective in the 80s." - Dr. William Doherty, Family Therapist, states, "Understanding the complexities of family dynamics often reveals surprising layers of our parents' lives that we may not have recognized as children."

gymbez

14. "My Dad (Front) In Vietnam In 1971."

According to relationship expert Dr. Laura Berman, "Discovering unexpected memories can evoke powerful emotions, often leading to tears of joy or nostalgia." This sentiment resonates with a Reddit user who shared a touching moment with their father: He didn't know this photo existed until I came across it randomly on the Internet. He cried when he saw it.

strawberrygnome

15. Here is something you definitely don't see in every family photo album.

"My dad and his veterinarian mother, with their pet lion, which they raised for two years, 1959."

-Dr. Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist explains, "Experiences that showcase unique family dynamics can often reshape our perceptions of parental roles and their impact on our lives."

ryanb99

16. "My dad at his first job... at NASA!"

You know your dad is cool when his first job was at NASA.

sonokoroxs

17. "My Dad A Zoo Keeper In 1992"

Parenting expert Dr. Janet Lansbury noted:

"Animals, much like children, respond to love and attention. When a caregiver forms a bond, it can lead to remarkable interactions, as seen with the rhinos who come running for a scratch." 8_Bit_Zombies

18. Superstar Momma

"My mom as a Red Cross volunteer in WWII. She had her own radio show in the Pacific Theater to counteract Tokyo Rose. 1944." - Dr. William Doherty, family therapist once said, "The stories we tell about our past shape our identity and how we connect with others." This highlights the importance of recognizing our parents' contributions and the legacies they leave behind.

Saved_by_punctuation

19. More annoyed than phased.

In a nostalgic reflection, Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, notes:

"Family stories often reveal unexpected layers of our parents' lives, showcasing their resilience and the challenges they faced."

When someone inquired about the origins of this striking photo, he added:

"It's fascinating how moments captured in time can resonate with us later, often revealing our parents' hidden strengths and experiences."Leo_nardo

20. "My Dad's Graduation Photo. Circa 1970s"

Like a sir.

Mr_Goldfish0

21. "Mom Spinning Records At KWKH, Shreveport - 1977"

Looking very 70s... totally fabulous.

JonSmith12345

22. Epic.

According to renowned relationship expert Dr. Esther Perel, "Our parents often hold stories and experiences that can surprise us, revealing a side of them we never knew." This sentiment resonates with many, as illustrated by a user who shared a nostalgic moment: Pretty rad picture of my dad when he was 22, in Texas. Taken in 1987. That Ghettoblaster is epic.

peter_nincompoop33

23. Becoming American

In a touching reflection, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, a renowned pediatrician, emphasizes the importance of understanding our parents' journeys: “Every parent has a story that shapes their identity and influences their children’s lives. Recognizing these stories can foster deeper connections.” This sentiment resonates with many, including a user who shared: My mom fled Saigon in 1975. By the 90s, she had joined the U.S. Air Force.

cryptolingo

24. "One Of My Favorite Photos Of My Parents In The Late 70s"

Cool cats. Cool couple.

manderly808

25. At last, I'm an adult.

According to parenting expert Dr. Shefali Tsabary, "Children often see their parents as role models, and moments like family gatherings can reveal the fun and vibrant sides of their lives." This sentiment resonates with many, as illustrated by a user who shared, "My hilarious father (with the magazine) and my grandfather, grandmother, and uncle... at his Bar Mitzvah in 1972." Such memories highlight the unique ways parents can inspire their children to appreciate their family history and the joy of shared experiences.

JasonPlatz

26. Picture Perfect Moment

Renowned psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula stated:

"Parents often have experiences that seem larger than life, and sharing these stories can help children appreciate the complexities of their lives." This sentiment resonates with many, as illustrated by a Reddit user who shared a nostalgic moment of their father taking a smoke break while engaged in a significant historical conflict. Such anecdotes can reveal the multifaceted nature of parental figures, often making them appear cooler in the eyes of their children.iAmReginaPhalange

27. "My Father Halfway Through Motorcycling Across Africa - 1980s"

If this is the halfway point, we would love to see the final ride.

civil55

28. Oh, Momma!

According to parenting expert Dr. Michael Thompson, "Parents often sacrifice their personal interests for their children, which can lead to a sense of loss." This sentiment resonates with many, as illustrated by a user who shared, "My mom said she gave this up when she had me. I'm pretty sure she stopped when I was old enough to want some." (1970s)

kingngrfgt

29. "My Dad Fishing... On A Nuclear Submarine 1966"

*Humming* We all fish on a nuclear submarine. Nuclear submarine. Nuclear submarine.

vbisbest

30. Birth sure has changed a lot since the 70s.

In a nostalgic reflection, parenting expert Dr. Janet Lansbury noted:

"Moments like these remind us of the everyday realities of parenting, where the extraordinary often blends with the mundane." This was exemplified by a Reddit user who shared a photo of their mother in the hospital after giving birth to their sister in Canada, 1978, surrounded by smokes and roasted chicken.rookdanger