The “experts” are at it again, micromanaging every part of parenting. This time one of them wants you to stop kissing your babies and kids on the lips. Why? It is “too sexual.”
Dr. Charlotte Reznick, author of The Power Of Your Child’s Imagination: How To Transform Stress And Anxiety Into Joy And Success says, “The kiss on the lips can be stimulating … It’s just too confusing. If mommy kisses daddy on the mouth and vice versa, what does that mean, when I, a little girl or boy, kiss my parents on the mouth? If I had to answer when to stop kissing your kids on the lips, it would be now.”
Basically, if you kiss your kids on the lips, it confuses them, and could stimulate them? What about all that time we spend breastfeeding, co-sleeping, hugging, bathing, etc.? This one “expert” has her opinion, but thankfully there are others who say her opinion is not the end all.
Dr. PsychMom says kissing your kids on the lips is just fine and most kids will grow out of it. “As soon as your kids pull away or show that they are not comfortable kissing you on the lips, don’t kiss them on the lips anymore.” Simple as that.
Harry Connick, Jr. came under fire for kissing his 8-year-old daughter, but most people just saw a loving father. Now, when Bill Belichick kissed his 30-year-old daughter after winning the Super Bowl, the internet wasn’t so kind. Some people defended him saying he came from a culture where men kiss men in friendship and affection is a normal part of life.
Do it or don’t do it, but don’t try to take something sweet and innocent and make it creepy. What do you think: Kiss on the lips or no way?
I think it’s a cultural thing and that here in the US we sexualize and forbid everything in an atmosphere that seems to be overrun by sexual predators. I grew up in two countries (US & Germany). Quite honestly in Germany friends are very affectionate holding arms, holding hands, greeting each other with kisses regardless of male or female. It was an adjustment but to be honest it brings a closeness with friends that I don’t feel with other friends I’m not so affectionate with. It’s different and I think it’s a good thing. Like the article says just respect your kids or others if they don’t wanna be touched or kissed.
Xoxo,
La Deutsche Diva
http://ladeutschediva.blogspot.com
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