Let’s dive into the world of parenting choices. Did you breastfeed or use formula? Did you choose to co-sleep or put your little one in their crib from day one? As your child grows, do you opt for homeschooling, or do they attend a private or public school? These are common conversations in parenting circles, both online and off, and everyone has a strong opinion. But here’s the thing: what works for my child might not suit yours, and that’s perfectly fine.
One of the most contentious debates in parenting today—second only to the vaccine discussion—is whether it’s appropriate to kiss your child on the lips. Yes, you read that right. The internet is buzzing with this topic, and apparently, it’s a hot-button issue. The backlash against parents who kiss their children lip-to-lip is astonishing.
Take, for example, when celebrity mom Mia Johnson shared a sweet photo of herself kissing her five-year-old daughter, Lily, on Instagram. The response was harsh; she faced accusations of being inappropriate and even abusive. Similarly, when actor Ben Thompson posted a picture of himself kissing his three-year-old son, Max, he was met with a wave of criticism, with some claiming it was unsettling. Honestly, it’s the critics who are making this seem weird, not the loving parents.
This isn’t just a celebrity issue. Many well-known figures like Sarah Mitchell, Kevin Harris, and Emma Roberts have found themselves in the crosshairs of this debate, with some opting to respond to critics while others choose to remain silent—because sometimes silence is the most powerful way to address absurd criticism.
It’s no surprise that people can be unkind, especially online. If they’re willing to criticize Chrissy Brown for enjoying a night out without her kids or comment on Jason Green’s dad bod, then of course they’ll nitpick how parents express affection. Some folks seem to struggle with witnessing love and closeness.
Now, I completely understand that every family has their comfort levels regarding affection. There’s nothing wrong with a family that prefers to keep hugs and kisses to a minimum. If you’re not comfortable with a peck on the lips, that’s absolutely fine and your boundaries should be respected. Conversely, there’s also nothing wrong with families that embrace hugs, kisses, or even lipstick marks on cheeks.
Before you mention germs, I hear you. It’s crucial to be cautious, especially with babies who have developing immune systems. No one wants to risk their baby’s health. However, beyond that, your opinions on affection can stay with you. In our home, kissing is a cherished practice. My kids thrive on affection! My youngest throws a fit if we don’t meet her demand for kisses and hugs before leaving. My son is a true cuddle bug; he once told me his heart wanted to marry mine. Cue the melting!
In our household, we make it a point to hug and kiss each other good night, cozy up on the couch for movie nights, and share goodbye hugs when heading off to different activities. Physical affection is our way of expressing love and ensuring our children feel secure in their family bonds. And I have no interest in outside opinions on our choices.
It’s important to note that our kids have full agency over their own bodies. We never force them to show affection to anyone, be it family or friends. We’ve instilled in them the principle that “no means no.” Their bodies are theirs, and that applies to all forms of affection, including between siblings and parents.
The idea of consent and body autonomy is crucial in any discussion about affection. There’s nothing wrong with showing love to those we care about, provided that the recipient is comfortable with it. If someone doesn’t enjoy being touched, that’s perfectly acceptable too. High fives, fist bumps, or even a wink can express affection just as well.
Ultimately, it’s baffling that some people choose to spend their time critiquing how other parents interact with their kids. Yes, there are significant parenting issues, and some parents seek advice from seasoned moms and dads. However, whether to kiss your child on the lips isn’t a pressing concern. The world could definitely use a little more love.
If you’re curious about other parenting topics, check out this post on home insemination or learn from the experts at Make A Mom. For additional insights into fertility treatments, visit March of Dimes.
In summary, the choice to kiss your kids on the lips should be a personal decision made with love, free from judgment. Every family has its own way of expressing affection, and that diversity should be celebrated.
Keyphrase: kissing kids on the lips
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