Social Media isn’t my “thing.” One of the benefits is that I don’t get bogged down with things I don’t necessarily care a whole lot about. But I haven’t yet moved my family under a rock so, of course, I still hear things in the media. {Confession: I still find a guilty pleasure in US Weekly Magazine.} Last month, Hilary Duff was in the media spot light. You may remember her as Lizzie McGuire from the Disney Channel (or am I the only one who loved this show?!). If you missed it, brace yourself when I report the reason she was on the hot seat.
She kissed her 4-year-old son.
On the lips.
My reaction? Why is a mom kissing her son on the lips seen in any way as a controversial issue? With as many real problems as there are in this world, it boggles my mind that people would find the energy to find negativity in this. It got me thinking about how a couple of weeks prior, my son and I had a little selfie session taking pictures of me kissing his face. If I was a celebrity, would I have been chastised for this? Apparently so.
As parents, it is our job to love and protect our children. Sometimes we protect them by standing up for ourselves even for something we don’t feel should be controversial. I appreciate that Hilary didn’t give a public apology. She stood up for herself and her son.
Children should feel adored by their parents. No, I am not saying we must kiss them on the lips to make them feel this way. There are clearly many ways we can show love to our children. Let’s embrace this. Some moms are kissers and huggers. There are some kids who are not the kissing and hugging type or have simply outgrown that innocent stage and now find it embarrassing. Let’s build each other up and rejoice when our children are in moments of wanting to show us love and excitement.
Did you catch this on the media? What were your thoughts? I promise it’s ok if you disagree with my opinions of it! We’d love to hear.
