As parents, we show our children affection in many ways. Some of us are a bit more or less cuddly than others, but it seems only natural to show children affection by touch to display how much you care for them. And many children carry how they were treated as children into their adult years. One practice they inherit is kissing their children on the mouth. This is a tradition that goes back for centuries and is common in many cultures. For many, this act is as natural as hugging. However, these days many folks have started raising concerns about this practice. They insist that it’s inappropriate, weird, and possibly abusive.
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While everyone has their own views on parenting, the discussion can get a bit more confusing when discussing certain boundaries.
For years, parenting experts have debated whether or not it’s okay for parents to kiss their children on the lips. And according to a psychologist, this practice is sending the wrong signals to children.
In a popular parenting blog called “The Stir,” parents post questions and discuss many uncomfortable topics. However, when it comes to this subject, Dr. Charlotte Reznick asked:
“If you start kissing your kids on the lips, when do you stop?”.
According to the doctor, the answer is very clear.
“If I had to answer when to stop kissing your kids on the lips, it would be now.”
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In recent years there has been intense debate over this practice as many celebrities took pictures showing them kissing their kids on the mouth.
Celebrities such as Harry Connick Jr., David Beckham, and Hillary Duff are among the many who routinely define their showings of affection.
Duff said, “For anyone commenting that a kiss on the lips with my four-year-old is ‘inappropriate’ go ahead and click a quick unfollow with your warped minds and judgment.”
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Victoria Beckham posted a picture of her kissing her daughter on the lips, and many started criticizing her for what they felt was “inappropriate behavior.”
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Some even went as far as calling the mom a pedophile.
But, according to Reznick, not kissing children on the lips is more about damage prevention. She says that kids as young as ages 4 and 5 are learning about their sexuality.
Because of this, the doctor believes it confuses them down the road whenever parents kiss them on the lips.
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However, not every psychologist agrees with Reznick’s assessment and has sided with parents like Beckham, Duff, and others who kiss their children on the lips. Dr. Sally-Ann McCormack is one such supporter. She said:
“There’s absolutely no way that kissing a young child on the lips is confusing for them in any way.
That’s like saying breastfeeding is confusing. ”
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One mom summed it all up when she said that if it looks strange to anyone, there is a reason why we all draw our own boundaries for our own reasons.
You can also watch a video about this debate below.
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Sources:
- “Therapist Now Demands Parents Stop Kissing Their Kids” Jumble Joy. June 8, 2022.