18 Examples of Why You Should Grab the Camera Instead of Helping Your Kid (PHOTOS)

One of my favorite photo series of my youngest son was taken when he was about 18 months old. The first image shows him gleefully stuffing his hand into the base of a sippy cup, the next image shows his dismayed reaction as he realizes his hand is stuck. His tiny brow is furrowed and his mouth is open in an anguished howl as his free hand scrabbles uselessly at the plastic. I'm sure I eventually helped remove the cup from his hand … but the first thing I did was take his picture, because HAAAA.

I suspect most parents can identify with the experience of seeing their child get into some sort of awkward and/or inadvisable predicament — and rushing for the camera before rushing to their aid. The truth is, sometimes the need for a moment to be captured for the ages simply takes precedent over a child's brief discomfort. (What? Oh, they're fine.)

Please enjoy these hilarious sorry-I-didn't-help-you-first photos!

Sippy Cup Kid

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The aforementioned sippy cup photo.

Where Did My Hands Go?

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My oldest son, stuck in a paper towel tube.

Look, Ma, No Diaper Rash

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"Desitin." — Temerity Jane

Getting Into the Swing of Things -- Or Not

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"Stuck. Very stuck." — skycroswell

All Hands -- and Everything Else -- On Deck!

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"He won the prize for falling off the deck first." — Aaron

In a Tight Spot

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"Was I supposed to help her first?" — Tonya

Nooooooooo!

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"Charlotte crashed through her jumperoo last year." — Erin

When Couches Attack

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"This one looks worse than it was. She was fine. Just ticked off." — Melissa

Dressed for Success?

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"He likes to try to take off his own clothes. And well, he got a little tangled." — Colleen C

The Face Plant

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"Didn't REALLY land flat on his face. Makes a convincing photo, though." — Carla

Chain Reaction

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Torture by Quesadilla

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"Her quesadilla wasn't to her liking." — Operation Pink Herring

The Very Angry Caterpillar

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Jonna

Baby Ostrich

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Jennie

Call the Warden!

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"The kids are 6 now, but this one still cracks me up!" — Gretch79

Catch of the Day

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"May not count since she's not upset about it but …" — Lesley

Wipe Out

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Sarah

That Darn Cat!

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"How about a baby tripping over a cat?" — Katie