The act of celebrities kissing their children on the lips has sparked a heated debate among parents and experts. And while some consider it an expression of affection, a psychologist has warned that it could negatively impact children’s development. This controversial issue has also led to discussions about appropriate parenting methods and the implications they may have for children.
The importance of boundaries in a child’s healthy development, including why they shouldn’t be kissed on the lips, is underscored by psychologist Charlotte Reznick.
Charlotte pointed out that engaging in practices such as kissing a child on the lips, tight swaddling, force-feeding, and aggressive tickling can inadvertently communicate that their personal space is open to intrusion. These parenting behaviors can increase the likelihood of a child developing “victim syndrome,” which can impede their ability to establish boundaries and assert themselves.
The renowned psychologist claimed parents can promote a secure and nurturing environment for their children to thrive by understanding the impact of their actions and making conscious choices.
Healthcare professionals, including dentists, are raising the alarm regarding the hazards of saliva sharing with children. While adults possess stronger immune systems and are capable of handling the microbes present in their mouths, children with weaker immune systems are more susceptible to harmful infections. Charlotte Reznick emphasizes the importance of understanding the risk, as some infections can be transferred to children through saliva and cause harm.
The psychologist added that by implementing preventative measures to reduce saliva exchange, parents can protect their children’s overall well-being.
According to psychologists, children tend to learn through imitation, including behaviors observed at home. This means they may innocently imitate lip kissing as a way of showing affection towards others without fully grasping its implications. Consequently, they may unintentionally recreate this gesture with individuals outside their immediate family circle. To avoid such situations, experts advise parents to limit kisses to the child’s cheeks or forehead instead.
In recent years, the public display of affection between parents and their children, specifically lip kissing, has stirred controversy. Celebrity couple Victoria and David Beckham, known for their high-profile status, have faced criticism for openly engaging in lip kissing with their children in public but the couple remark, “We want to show our kids love and we protect them, look after them, and support them, and we’re very affectionate with them.”
