Proof That Parents Have the Best Reflexes

These pictures show that the parental reflex is very real — and very funny.

Proof That Parents Have the Best Reflexes

Kids love to run, play, jump, climb and crawl all over the place. And while it’s a parent’s job to let them grow, it’s also their job to help keep them safe as much as possible. Sometimes, that means being physically there for them whenever they inevitably fall.

From trying to defy gravity to learning how to ride a bike to simply trying to stand up properly, there are all sorts of ways kids find themselves falling. But these perfectly timed pictures prove that parents are there to make sure their kids stay safe — at least that one time! — because anyone who has been around kids knows there’s always another accident waiting to happen.

There's No Such Thing as Too Much Water

Unless, of course, you're taking a nose dive into it.

Gravity Is Real

Looks like the apple fell too far from the tree for its own safety. Luckily, dad was there to keep this “apple” from bruising.

Water Baby

Yes, water is fun to play in, but it’s even more fun to avoid accidentally falling into it.

Horsing Around

It's all fun and games until someone falls off your back.

The Ultimate Trust Fall

If you think falling backwards and hoping someone will be there to catch you is an exercise in trust, try doing it when the person catching you is across the room.

Iconic

The two calmest faces in the picture are the oblivious kid and the protective dad getting hit by a bat.

Sledding in Training

This kid will be a pro at staying on the sled in no time.

The Wrap-Around-Leg Seat Belt

When you’re on public transit and there aren’t any seatbelts, you have to make do with what you have.

Feet Are Functional

These two started sliding safely together, and this dad was determined they’d finish sliding safely together.

Full Body Save

This dad fully commits and throws his entire body down to help avoid a collision for this little one.

Mom’s Always Prepared

This mom figured that balance might get the best of her daughter. Luckily, she was there to save her skin from getting too scratched up when it did.

That Tumultuous Twist

The slide seemed generally safe until it took a twisted turn that almost had this toddler flying.

Testing the Waters

It's never too early to learn how to surf.

Leap of Faith

If you really trust your catch-and-throwing skills, I guess this is one way to get a little one across a cavern while hiking.

Cat Got Your Back

What’s most impressive here is that this dad never once broke his concentration despite his furry attacker.

Quicksand

Sometimes, fast reflexes can be helpful to avoid a major fight, not just possible pain.

Water Park Whoas

When you’re first learning how to slide, it can be confusing what part of your body is supposed to maintain contact with the slide — especially if everything is super slippery.

I Believe I Can Fly

Technically, the kid did fly all by himself for one (terrifying) second or so.

Cribs Are Meant to Be Climbed

But, luckily, this dad already knew that.

The Best Way to Fish Is on Dry Land

Even if “The Little Mermaid” is your favorite classic Disney movie, it’s best to stay out of the water when you’re searching for aquatic treasure.

Classic Throw and Catch

The most important part of this game, of course, is the catch.

Ready for Anything

Dress up can be fun, especially if it involves being a superhero dad.

The Calm Before the Fall

Animals have extra skin on the back of their neck to be carried around safely. Little humans have extra clothing for a similar purpose.

Mom on the Move

If there were Olympic medals for “Mom-ing,” this woman would definitely be a contender for the gold.

Tinker-Fell

Sure, Peter Pan may not want to ever grow up. But this picture shows that grown-ups do provide some help in case you lose your footing.

Understanding Nature

If you really want to give your child a lesson in nature, don’t forget to teach them firsthand about gravity.

Another Dad to the Rescue

It turns out Dad instincts stay “on” at all times, even if it’s not your kid that you’re protecting.

Flower Power Move

What’s most impressive is that this dad managed to hold onto the younger sibling while (mostly) catching the older one as she flamboyantly fell.

It’s the Climb

Climbing up a couple steps is safe enough … assuming you don’t try and take the shortcut down.

Multi-Tasking Mom

This mom was able to keep her child from falling backwards while continuing to record an adorable video.

What’s in the Box?

Not a baby, thanks to this slick dad’s quick reflexes.

Every Limb Is Useful

When it comes to avoiding disaster, this mom understands that every working body part needs to help keep the household moving smoothing.

A Thwarted Impromptu Dive

Even though he manages to laugh afterwards, this very quick-moving dad averted a dangerous baby backflip.

Ghost Wall

It may be fun to pretend to be ghosts with blankets over your eyes. That is until Mom has to keep you from falling face first into a wall.

Complete With Dad Ejector Seat

This tiny motorcycle has everything a young kid might need: a helmet, training wheels and a dad ready to pull them off immediately if things go awry.

Safety First

Learning to ride a bike can be scary. Unless, of course, you have a fast-moving dad like this who can help you avoid a major scary crash.

Baby of the Lake

“But Mom, I just wanted to sprint into the lake to see what it’d be like to be a fish for a minute!”

Go Grandma!

This fast-moving grandma proves that grandparent’s protective instincts stay as sharp as ever.

Sometimes You Miss

At least this baby was already close to the ground.