These days, it seems like no matter what you do as a parent, someone is always ready to criticize you.
Get your child gifts? You’re spoiling them. Discipline them in public? You’re too harsh. Avoid physical affection? They’ll grow up emotionally stunted. Regularly show affection? Someone will still say you’re doing it wrong.
Striking the right balance as a parent is challenging enough. I can only imagine how much harder it must be for celebrities, whose family lives are on display for millions of fans worldwide.
In my opinion, you can never be too affectionate with your kids. Showing them love and being available for cuddles whenever they want or need it can’t be a bad thing.
Yet, former soccer star David Beckham is currently facing criticism in the court of public opinion.
Some individuals online claim he was too affectionate with his 12-year-old daughter, Harper, at a recent soccer game.
First off, we believe this is nothing more than a father and daughter sharing a sweet moment, but some people are ready to vehemently disagree.
Readers may recall that Beckham inexplicably faced criticism on another occasion for kissing his daughter on the lips. Needless to say, we don’t think he deserved any chastisement for that either.
In this more recent ‘incident,’ the Beckhams were attending an Inter Miami game (David co-owns the MLS club). Cameras captured David and Harper sharing a cozy moment, with David kneeling beside Harper, his arms lovingly wrapped around her waist.
Harper Beckham in den Armen ihres liebevollen Vaters David auf der Tribüne eines Fußballspiels. #HarperBeckham #DavidBeckham #Football #Family pic.twitter.com/41lplD0T5C
— Latice Jon (@JonLatice36754) June 3, 2024
Many people supported the adorable father-daughter interaction, but unfortunately, some online commentators deemed it inappropriate.
“I find that picture a bit cringeworthy,” one person wrote.
Another added: “Yes, put an arm on her shoulder, but that picture is definitely OTT for me.”
“She’s 13 this year; it’s time to let her be a bit older and stop clinging to her in public. Save the hugs for home,” a third commented.
A fourth added: “As sweet and innocent as it may be, it’s no longer appropriate. Harper looks like a young woman now.”
See the photo in the tweet below:
As we mentioned earlier, we don’t see anything wrong with a parent expressing affection for their child, regardless of age. While certain boundaries should always be respected, we don’t believe David has crossed any of them here.
What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!