12 Real Signs That You Are Turning Into Your Parents

Feel like you're getting old? Turns out it isn't that hard to turn into your parents. Here are some of the signs.

Updated July 31, 2023
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It sneaks up on you when you least expect it -- the moment you realize that you are turning into your parents is something that happens to all of us, sometimes sooner than we would like to admit. In fact, a 2013 poll found that this embarrassing rite of passage happens when you turn the ripe old age of 32.

Want to know if you have started the transition into becoming a full-fledged adult? We detail the signs that you might turn into your parents soon, or that you have already made the switch.

Appliances & Home Goods Become Your Most Exciting Purchases

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It's a sad moment when you realize that your most exhilarating purchase will help you complete household chores. The first moment I noticed that I was beginning to turn into my parents was when I got excited over the purchase of an area rug. This only escalated when I posted on social media about my brand new washer and dryer. Cue the Progressive commercial now please.

Don't get me wrong, having things like a working vacuum are nice, but exciting? I guess it depends on the mess you have lying around.

You Dress for Comfort Over Fashion

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When you trade out the heels or dress shoes for some comfy crocs and house shoes, it is time to start admitting that you are looking at a version of your parents in the mirror. Yes, yes, I too like to place the blame on just living my best hygee life, but let's be honest, the pants with the elastic waistband are meant for the couch, and not the bar.

You Judge Other People's Clothing for Being Too Risque

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Remember when things like tube tops and teeny bikinis or muscle shirts and short athletic shorts were staples in your closet? Or maybe it was just uncomfortable clothing that was super stylish at the time. Now think about the last time you saw someone wearing any of those items. What were your thoughts?

If you were thinking that these ensembles needed a bit more fabric or wondered why in the world they would wear that, it might be another sign that you are making the transformation into an old person.

Noise Is a Nuisance

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As someone who has fully admitted that I am now a version of my parents, I have to wonder, "why did I find dancing in night clubs and shouting to my friends, who couldn't hear me even if I tried, so appealing?" Wouldn't it be better to have a nice conversation in a quiet restaurant?

I also question why people listen to the music that is trending on the radio. Yet another sign that you are turning into mom and dad is that you think the present-day musical selections are garbage and that most people play these tunes way too loud.

You Are Lost When It Comes to Trending Lingo

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Turns out it is not so fetch to say 'so fetch' anymore. For those 30-somethings who have to Google the slang being texted by the kids who are 10 years their junior, it may be time to throw in the towel and admit that you are getting old. We know that sounds savage, but sheesh, iykyk, and clearly you don't anymore.

Dad Jokes Are a Way of Life

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Why did the waitress give the pony a glass of water? Because he was a little horse!

Your father has likely embarrassed you more times than you care to count with his extremely corny sense of humor. He just wanted you to think he was cool. And what is cooler than a cleverly placed pun? If you suddenly find that your dad's dorky quips are quite comical, you might be becoming him!

You Have a Ridiculous Surplus of Plastic Bags, Old Tins & Empty Shoeboxes

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Waste not, want not, am I right? As a kid, how many times did you open up that blue tin of Danish butter cookies, only to find the sewing kit inside? Or maybe it was that half-gallon container of butter that was really holding the leftovers from last night.

The moment you start repurposing containers, bins, and bags, you may be becoming your parents. Or worse, your grandparents. Yeesh.

You Think Today's Kids Have it Easy

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Did you ever hear the torrid tale from your mother or father about how they had to walk to school in the snow, uphill, both ways? Surely, that wasn't just my childhood. Let's face it though, teens today don't know how good they have it. Our childhood and even our young adulthood was rough too. Remember dial up internet? Or having to hold your phone in the air to find good service? What about having to rewind your movies? We struggled.

If you were nodding in agreement while reading that last paragraph, you may have already turned into your parents. But seriously though, pushing the number one button three times in order to get the letter 'C' to pop up in your text message box was actually quite tedious. Teens today will never know our plight.

Current Technology Baffles You

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For busy 20 and 30-somethings who have a job, a significant other, pets, and kids, this one isn't entirely your fault. But it is kind of embarrassing when your mother-in-law has a TikTok account and you don't. Even worse, when you realize that you can add music to your Snapchat messages, only because your three-year-old is more savvy with technology than you are.

A basic lack of understanding of current technology is a sign that you could turn into your parents at any second. The lack of a desire to learn definitely means that you have already transitioned to the dark side.

You Would Rather Sleep Than Rally

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You may like to think that your phone's bedtime reminder is a responsible thing to set up, but back in the day, three hours was enough to make it through a double shift at work the following day. Your parents value their sleep and will prioritize it above all else. When you become a parent and realize that you may never get a full night's sleep again, you also begin to find this to be your favored choice.

The Weather Forecast Becomes Very Important in the Planning of Your Day

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When weather trivia and the forecast become a common part of your small talk, you know you are getting up there. What's worse is when you let it dictate your social life. Hot day ahead? Maybe we skip the barbecue and stay in for the afternoon. Rain in the forecast? Definitely not safe to go to the football game.

You Say Phrases They Used to Say

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Whether you are talking to your kids, friends, or significant other, there will be a moment where you turn into your parents and repeat the same ridiculous phrases they used to tell you. News flash -- things like "money doesn't grow on trees," "if Jerry jumped off a cliff, would you jump off too?" and "you are wasting all the paid for air" are NOT things that young people say. But there is a reason that these comments keep popping up generation after generation -- they are good points.

Maybe Your Parents Aren't so Bad

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When you were very little, mom and dad were the most amazing people in the world. Why did your parents become the most boring and unfair people on the planet when you became a teenager?

When you think about it now, they were quite logical. Who doesn't want to be comfy, or take a midday nap, or enjoy a quiet meal where you can hear yourself think and what others have to say? If you slowly have to turn into someone else, you could do a heck of a lot worse than your parents!

12 Real Signs That You Are Turning Into Your Parents