Victoria Beckham and I have something in common — not, alas, our lifestyles or wardrobes, but the fact that we both have three sons and a daughter, writes Angela Epstein.
When Harper was born five years ago, I really understood the designer’s elation about that long-awaited baby girl after three boys.
But when I saw the snap of Victoria kissing Harper on the lips, I couldn’t help but recoil. I found the image slightly creepy, stomach-churning even. Because kissing on the lips should be off-limits for any child beyond babyhood.
I would be horrified at the thought of my husband or me kissing our children on lips. Don’t get me wrong. I am a hands-on and very affectionate mother, and there’s nothing wrong with a peck on the cheek or top of the head. Meanwhile, our older three, Sam, 23, Max, 21 and Aaron, 17, have perfected ‘duck and dive’ tactics to avoid me as I seek a hug.
A naturally affectionate child at 12, Sophie still enjoys appropriate kisses and cuddles.
So, why is kissing on the lips different? Before you label me Victorian, look at the biology. Lips are drenched in nerve endings, which is why kissing adults on the mouth is the gateway to intimacy.
It’s just not contact that’s acceptable between an adult and a child.
For the same reason, I balk at women who breastfeed children beyond ten months or so.
As they become toddlers, children are increasingly curious about their physical world. Parents should not confuse them with kisses that should be restricted to adults.
Cosy kisses and warm cuddles are one of the wonderful payoffs of parenting. But kissing on the lips is simply not the same thing. Daily Mail