David Beckham, the former Manchester United star and devoted father of four, has faced backlash for sharing affectionate moments with his children, particularly his youngest daughter Harper. Despite criticism, Beckham remains firm in his belief that kissing his children on the lips is a genuine and innocent way to express love.
An Affectionate Family Tradition
The football legend sparked debate after posting a photo of himself kissing Harper on the lips. Addressing the criticism, Beckham explained that this gesture is a reflection of how he and his wife Victoria Beckham were raised. “I’m very affectionate with the kids. It’s how I was brought up and how Victoria was brought up, and it’s how we are with our children,” he shared. “We want to show our kids love, and we’re very affectionate with them.”
A Father’s Love for All His Children
Beckham often posts heartwarming photos on Instagram showing moments of affection with his children. He has expressed that he kisses almost all of his kids on the lips, with the exception of his eldest son Brooklyn, now in his twenties. “I got criticized for kissing my daughter on the lips. I kiss all my kids on the lips. Brooklyn, maybe not. Brooklyn’s 18, he might find that a little bit strange,” Beckham previously explained with humor.
Putting Family First
Becoming a father at just 23, Beckham has consistently prioritized his role as a parent, even amidst the demands of his illustrious career. Reflecting on fatherhood, he said, “You mature quicker with kids. Life becomes all about the kids, and your everyday worries seem less important. As a father, you learn that it’s not about you anymore—it’s about your children.”
Beckham’s dedication to his family is evident in the time and effort he invests in his children, ensuring they always feel supported and loved.
Encouraging His Children’s Dreams
Although Beckham’s career in football is legendary, he supports his children in pursuing their own paths, even if they don’t involve sports. “None of my children at the moment want to be a footballer. That’s okay, because you don’t want to force anybody into doing anything. It’s important to show kids love, support, and encouragement. We’ve always supported our kids in whatever they want to do,” he said.
The Debate Around Kissing Children on the Lips
Beckham’s affectionate parenting style has reignited discussions about the appropriateness of kissing children on the lips. While some psychologists caution that such gestures could blur personal boundaries or create confusion in children, Beckham and other parents view it as a harmless expression of love.
For Beckham, these moments are a natural and heartfelt way of strengthening his bond with his children, a sentiment he continues to uphold despite public scrutiny.