Why I Kiss My Son On The Lips

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There’s a new form of mom-shaming taking place, and it’s hitting our social media outlets by storm.

Victoria Beckham was just criticized for posting a photo on Instagram in which she’s wishing her daughter a happy birthday. The picture depicts Beckham and her five-year-old daughter sharing a quick peck on the lips.

Social media was quick to pounce on this one. The criticisms range from calling Beckham a lesbian, to engaging in “inappropriate” behavior with her daughter.

Were you aware that kissing on the lips should be strictly forbidden for members of your family except for your spouse? According to social etiquette experts, it is.

When I first became aware of the situation with Beckham, I had to roll my eyes. As I see the debate continue, it just makes me plain mad.

Don’t we have enough hate going on right now in our world that we have to shut down a moment of love between a mother and daughter?

It seems we can’t do anything right anymore. We can’t say, post, or share something without receiving negative backlash. Even something as innocent as a mother kissing her child.

I refuse to let the Internet tell me who I can and cannot kiss.

Like Beckham, I have a child who is about to turn five. Next to my husband, he is the love of my life.

Do I kiss him on the lips?

Everyday.

Does my husband kiss him on the lips?

You bet he does.

Is it inappropriate?

Absolutely not.

Am I going to stop kissing him because it makes social media uncomfortable?

I don’t think I even need to answer that question.

I kiss my son on the lips because he is my gift from God. He is an innocent, beautiful, smart, funny little boy, who continues to amaze me every single day. The love I have for him trumps everything.

Kissing him is nothing to be embarrassed about. There is going to come a day, when he is older, that kisses in general will be fewer and farther between. For now, he is my baby. When he comes to me for a hug or kiss, I will not deny him those actions.

In my house, we teach that love is important. Affection is welcomed, and I refuse to let anyone shame us for loving our son.

Natasha Funderburk

Natasha Funderburk is a Midwestern girl living in Iowa with her husband, dog, and four year old son. Natasha works as a freelance writer and hospice consultant, and possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. Natasha loves anything and everything related to travel, reading, at home dance-parties, fitness/health, and all things food. You can find more of her musings at natashafunderburk.com

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