'Literally stop' Dad’s five hilarious 'rules' for parenting teens goes viral

"Don't say hello or acknowledge them in any way. Careful if you look in the rearview mirror because they might think you're glancing at them."

Parenting teenagers is really in a class all on its own, and it appears Chip Leighton, a comedian and dad has really hit a nerve by sharing his rules for what not to do as a dad of permanently embarrassed teens.

His seven part collection of 'Things you shouldn't do if you have teenagers', has been viewed millions of times on Instagram with a similar result on TikTok.

His observational humour pointing out just some of the ridiculous things that embarrass teens is highly relatable. 

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. 

Image: Instagram @the_leighton_show

RELATED: The bizarre TikTok trend costing parents big-time

"Don't bring out a platter of food."

"Okay so first, don't bring out a platter of food when they have friends over," Chip begins his latest viral list on Instagram.

"This is trying way too hard and it's coming off as kind of desperate. Next is (not) talking to your kids' friend.

"If you're driving them somewhere in the car, don't say hello or acknowledge them in any way. Careful if you look in the rearview mirror because they might think you're glancing at them. Remember, you're just an anonymous Uber driver."

Chip's hilarious list of rules continues with the point that you never let your teens see you run, as it might cause them permanent psychological damage.

"I don't care how hard is raining, or if you're trying to catch an airport shuttle. Seeing this will damage them more than looking at the solar eclipse, and obviously if you trip and fall they're gonna need a lot of therapy."

Introducing our new podcast: Mum Club! Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

RELATED: ‘Mum, they want $5000 or they’ll release the pic’

"It's super creepy."

Chips fourth point is to never smile at a baby when in the company of a teen.

"This is super creepy, literally stop," deadpans the funnyman.

Last on his list is the crime of bringing your own chair to a sporting event.

"This draws too much attention to yourself. So either sit in the bleachers or stand despite the crippling back pain that this causes."

The comments from Chips fans are hilarious.

I brought a platter of cookies to my son and his friends, while trying to retreat without making eye contact," said one mum.

"I tripped on one of their shoes, and fell into one of them… My son will NEVER let me forget it and I’m scarred for life."

RELATED: ‘My husband mocked my daughter’

"My daughter was mortified."

Another mum relates the cutting remarks on her teenage son with: "My son told me a platter of snacks is for toddlers!"

On the subject of talking to your teens friends, many of the commenters could relate.

"I made the mistake of asking my teen’s friend how her spring break was when driving her home," said one mum.

"I thought we had a lovely conversation. My daughter was apparently mortified!"

"I've been told I am too 'chatty' when driving the kids and their friends," another parent shared.

"Evidently there have been texts within the vehicle of 'Why is your mom talking to me?'"

Originally published as 'Literally stop' Dad’s five hilarious 'rules' for parenting teens goes viral