Written by Richard Harris » Updated on: April 23rd, 2025
Hey, fellow gamers! Ever watched a toddler throw a tantrum in the supermarket and thought, "There's no way I could handle that"? Or maybe you've secretly wondered what would happen if you just… let loose and embraced the chaos of parenthood? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because "Bad Parenting" is here to answer all your depraved parental curiosity!
Developed by the wickedly clever minds at Tab Games, "Bad Parenting" isn't your average wholesome family simulator. Think "The Sims" meets a twisted comedy show, all wrapped up in a delightfully disturbing package. Released on Steam in early 2024 (the exact date varies based on Early Access and full release versions, so keep an eye on the Steam page!), this game puts you in charge of raising (or, more accurately, misraising) a virtual child, and trust me, things are about to get wild.
What Exactly Is Bad Parenting ?
Forget about nutritious meals and structured bedtimes. "Bad Parenting" encourages you to explore the darker side of child-rearing. We’re talking letting your kid eat cake for breakfast, leaving them unattended with dangerous power tools, and teaching them to gamble before they can even spell "responsibility."
The game presents a sandbox environment where your choices have hilarious and often disastrous consequences. Your actions directly influence your child's development, shaping their personality, skills, and, most importantly, their potential for causing mayhem in the world. It's a game that asks the question: how terrible of a parent can you be?
How to Unleash Your Inner Terrible Parent: A Gameplay Guide
Ready to dive into the delightful depravity of "Bad Parenting"? Here's a breakdown of how the game works:
Character Creation: Start by creating your virtual child. You can customize their appearance and choose their initial traits, setting the stage for their future descent into (hopefully humorous) chaos.
Resource Management: You'll need to manage basic resources like money and time. Money allows you to buy items that will influence your child's development, while time dictates how much you can interact with them each day. Spend your hard-earned cash on a trampoline? A drum set? A chemistry set? Or maybe just a mountain of candy. The choice is yours, but remember, everything has consequences!
Action Selection: The core of the gameplay involves selecting actions to perform with and around your child. These actions range from seemingly harmless activities like reading them a bedtime story (or a Stephen King novel) to outright neglectful acts like leaving them alone in a public park.
Consequence System: This is where the magic (or should we say, the madness) happens. Each action you take has consequences that impact your child's stats. Encouraging them to watch TV all day might increase their entertainment stat but tank their intelligence and social skills. Letting them play with fire might… well, let's just say the fire department might be making a cameo.
Skills and Traits: As your child grows, their skills and traits will evolve based on your parenting (or lack thereof). A child raised on video games and junk food might become a tech whiz with questionable hygiene habits. A child encouraged to pursue dangerous hobbies might become a daredevil… or a frequent visitor to the emergency room.
Events and Challenges: The game throws random events and challenges your way, testing your ability to handle (or completely mishandle) various situations. These events can range from minor inconveniences like a spilled glass of juice to major crises like a school expulsion. How you respond to these events will further shape your child's development.
Pro Tips for Aspiring Bad Parents
Want to truly excel at the art of terrible parenting? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Embrace the Absurdity: Don't be afraid to experiment with the most outrageous and unconventional parenting choices. This game rewards creativity in your approach to causing chaos.
Pay Attention to the Consequences: While the game encourages bad behavior, it's important to understand the long-term effects of your actions. This will allow you to strategically shape your child's development in the most hilariously messed-up ways possible.
Don't Be Afraid to Fail: Failure is part of the fun! Some of the most entertaining moments in "Bad Parenting" come from unexpected consequences and disastrous outcomes.
Experiment with Different Playthroughs: Try different parenting styles (or lack thereof) to see how they impact your child's development. You might be surprised by the results.
Remember, It's Just a Game! "Bad Parenting" is designed to be a humorous and satirical take on parenting. Don't take it too seriously and enjoy the ride!
An Objective Look at the Madness
So, is "Bad Parenting" worth your time and money? Here's an objective breakdown:
Pros:
Unique and Hilarious Concept: The game's premise is undeniably original and provides a refreshing alternative to traditional family simulators.
Engaging Gameplay: The consequence system and random events keep you on your toes and encourage experimentation.
High Replay Value: With multiple parenting styles and endless possibilities for child development, "Bad Parenting" offers plenty of replay value.
Satirical Humor: The game's humor is sharp, witty, and often darkly hilarious, making it a fun experience for those who appreciate a good dose of satire.
Cons:
Potentially Offensive Content: The game's themes may not be for everyone, as it deals with potentially sensitive topics in a humorous way.
Can Be Repetitive: After extended gameplay, some actions and events might start to feel repetitive.
Early Access Quirks: As an Early Access title, the game may still contain bugs and unfinished features. Be prepared for some potential hiccups along the way.
Who is This Game For?
"Bad Parenting" is perfect for gamers who:
Enjoy dark humor and satire.
Are looking for a unique and unconventional simulation experience.
Want to explore the "what ifs" of parenting without any real-world consequences.
Appreciate a game that doesn't take itself too seriously.
However, if you're easily offended or prefer wholesome family-friendly games, "Bad Parenting" might not be for you.
Final Verdict: A Devilishly Delightful Distraction
"Bad Parenting" is a wickedly entertaining game that offers a refreshing and hilarious take on the simulation genre. While its dark humor may not be for everyone, those who appreciate a good dose of satire and are looking for a unique and engaging gameplay experience will find plenty to love. Just remember, it's all in good fun… mostly.
Ready to Embrace the Chaos?
So, are you brave enough to face the ultimate parenting challenge? Head over to Steam, check out "Bad Parenting," and prepare to unleash your inner terrible parent! Let us know in the comments what kind of mayhem you're planning to create! What's the worst thing you plan to let your virtual child do? We're dying to know! And be sure to share your most hilarious "Bad Parenting" moments with us. Happy (mis)parenting!
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