Parenting
By Jessica Hartman
June 2, 2023
A recent post by renowned athlete Leo Johnson sparked a debate after he shared a heartfelt image of himself kissing his 5-year-old daughter, Mia, on the lips. With the caption, “A kiss for my little princess,” the moment was met with overwhelming criticism instead of appreciation.
It’s not uncommon to see parents sharing affectionate photos of their children online, but somehow, many believe that kisses should be limited to the cheek or forehead, or perhaps replaced entirely with a polite handshake. This backlash against Leo’s affectionate gesture suggests that some have a skewed perspective on familial love.
What’s Wrong with a Simple Kiss?
What’s wrong with a simple kiss between a father and his daughter? Many critics took to social media, expressing discomfort with the image. One user remarked, “Kissing on the lips?? What is happening to our society?” Another questioned, “Is this necessary? We really don’t need to see this.” The consensus among the dissenters seems to be that a father kissing his daughter on the lips is “odd.” “I try not to judge,” said one commenter, “but I find it pretty strange considering her age.”
Let’s break this down: Mia is five years old. Are people genuinely concerned that a kiss on the lips will confuse her? Leo and his partner, former fashion icon and Spice Girl, Maya, are known for being openly affectionate with their children, and it’s worth noting that Maya faced similar backlash when she shared a photo of herself kissing Mia on the lips last year.
The Distinction Between Affection and Inappropriateness
It appears that many folks need a refresher on the distinction between a non-sexual kiss and an inappropriate one. If you were trying to woo your partner, would you lean in and exclaim, “Daddy loves you so much” before planting a kiss? Probably not. Yet, it’s baffling that some view a loving parent-child kiss as inappropriate while overlooking the innocence of the act.
Do you really believe this photo signifies something sinister? If it merely makes you uncomfortable, that’s your issue to address. Children thrive on love and affection, and it’s clear that Mia is cherished by her parents. Perhaps it’s time to set aside our own insecurities and allow families to express love in their own way—whether that’s a kiss, a hug, or just a warm pat on the back. In the meantime, we’ll celebrate these moments of love.
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Summary
Kissing children on the lips, as showcased by Leo Johnson’s recent Instagram post with his daughter Mia, is often unjustly criticized. This article argues that such displays of affection are normal and beneficial for children, rather than inappropriate. Emphasizing the importance of love and affection in parenting, it also encourages readers to reconsider their discomfort with these gestures.