In a touching tribute that went viral, a father recently expressed his admiration for his wife’s choice to co-sleep with their children. However, the reaction on social media quickly turned sour, leading to the couple’s departure from the platform. John Collins, the father behind the post, shared a heartwarming photo of his wife, Emily, snuggling with their two children in bed. This was in response to a friend’s inquiry about whether he resented the arrangement.
“I want to clarify something as a husband and father: I absolutely cherish every part of what makes my wife the incredible mother she is. I would never belittle her choices regarding our children,” he wrote. “Sure, I might have to squeeze into a corner of the bed sometimes, but honestly, how stunning is she while holding our kids? Providing them with love and security?”
Despite the heartfelt nature of his words, the post ignited a wave of criticism from self-proclaimed parenting experts online, who condemned the practice of co-sleeping.
While it’s clear that the Collins family shares a deep bond, critics pointed out that co-sleeping can pose safety risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infants should sleep in the same room as their parents but on a separate surface, like a crib or bassinet, to minimize the risk of sleep-related fatalities. This guideline is not merely an opinion; it’s based on extensive research. The dangers of bed-sharing with young children are well-documented, and many feel that the risks outweigh the benefits.
Interestingly, it’s common for one parent to step back when a child needs comfort. My own toddler was ill recently, and my partner took to the couch to give me and our child space. This is what John’s post aimed to highlight: a father making room for his wife to nurture their children. In many families, children instinctively seek out their mothers for comfort during difficult moments, which is perfectly natural.
Emily Collins later responded to the backlash on her own now-deleted Facebook page, saying, “This photo represents just a tiny fraction of our daily lives. It was taken during a particularly tough time for me as a mom.” She explained that this moment was special; she had laid down to nurse her daughter when their son joined them for a cuddle. “My husband was there the entire time, lovingly watching over us.”
Instead of understanding the context, many chose to attack their parenting choices. A simple act of love has turned into a public spectacle, forcing a family to abandon social media altogether. Why can’t we offer support instead of judgment? Why not view that picture and think, “I can relate, that’s heartwarming,” rather than, “You’re doing it all wrong”?
Parental guidelines are generally broad, making it easier to label something as “unsafe” than to detail how it could be done safely. The American Academy of Pediatrics avoids saying that co-sleeping can be safe under certain conditions, as this could lead to misunderstandings and potential dangers. This isn’t to say that every comment online needs to be a lecture on parenting. Sometimes, we just need to appreciate a moment of affection for what it is.
Ultimately, John and Emily Collins faced unwarranted scrutiny for sharing their love and parenting style. Yes, there may have been pillows on the bed, and yes, there were two children present, but that doesn’t mean they require unsolicited advice or concern. As one of our contributors aptly put it, internet “experts,” it’s time to put down the pitchforks.
In conclusion, the Collins family’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in parenting discussions. For more information on parenting choices, check out this excellent resource on home insemination here and consider exploring how to start your family with insights from Make a Mom for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.