David Beckham has fought back after his parenting was criticized because of his daughter’s continued use of a pacifier.
Beckham found himself under attack after an article was written for the Daily Mail by Jemma Buckley on Monday entitled, “Why does Harper, four, still use a dummy? Experts warn David and Victoria Beckham’s little girl may end up with ‘speech or dental issues’ if she continues to use one.”
This was in response to an image of David Beckham taking out both Brooklyn and Harper for lunch in West Hollywood over the weekend.
Citing the article, Beckham took to Instagram to hit back about the criticism.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player wrote, “Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts?”
“Everybody who has children knows that when they aren’t feeling well or have a fever you do what comforts them best and most of the time it’s a pacifier so those who criticize think twice about what you say about other people’s children because actually you have no right to criticize me as a parent…”
David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham have four children, 16-year-old Brooklyn, 12-year-old Romeo, 10-year-old Cruz, and four-year-old Harper.
Experts have since backed the Beckhams in this debate, insisting that it’s up to the couple how to raise their children, before stating that the use of a dummy in moderation is fine and won’t truly hurt Harper. Child expert Fi Star-Stone posted the following comment on Twitter.
Yes dummies used long term daily can damage teeth AND cause speech issues, but in moderation – they are fine! #DummyDebate
— Fi Star-Stone (@Childcareisfun) August 10, 2015
I think people need to look at their lifestyle, the stress that little Harper might face with being papped. It’s a comfort – it’s fine!
— Fi Star-Stone (@Childcareisfun) August 10, 2015
Dicsussing Harper dummy sucking: @BBCLondon949 I think in moderation they are fine and we mind our own business!
— Fi Star-Stone (@Childcareisfun) August 10, 2015
Of course long term use can cause dental damage/speech issues @BBCLondon949 So can thumb sucking! Would opinions be the same if thumb?
— Fi Star-Stone (@Childcareisfun) August 10, 2015
I also think if you are not a parent of little ones, or have never used a dummy for your children it’s so, so easy to ‘high horse’ judge!
— Fi Star-Stone (@Childcareisfun) August 10, 2015
My final thought: It is VERY easy to hand out opinions on others parenting skills – but my goodness – is she happy? Yes? Leave the child be!
— Fi Star-Stone (@Childcareisfun) August 10, 2015
[Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images]
