Stop Kissing Children on the Lips. A Psychologist Explains Why It Inevitably Harms the Child

Parents want to cuddle, hug, and kiss their children. Some even kiss their kids on the lips. Celebrities are no exception: they showcase photos where they kiss their sons and daughters on the lips. However, not everyone takes this practice calmly. For instance, David Beckham faced criticism for such photos. The psychologist agrees and warns parents about the consequences.

It can increase the risk of the child developing a “victim syndrome”.

Maintaining personal boundaries for a child is essential for their healthy development, as emphasized by respected psychologist Charlotte Reznick. Practices such as kissing a child on the lips, along with other invasive behaviors like tightly swaddling, force-feeding, or overly aggressive tickling, can convey the message that their personal space is open to intrusion.

These parenting habits have the potential to contribute to the development of a “victim syndrome” in children, making it challenging for them to establish boundaries and assert themselves. Recognizing the impact of their actions, parents can create a secure and nurturing environment that fosters their child’s growth and well-being.

It’s unsanitary.

Medical professionals, including dentists, are sounding the alarm about the potential dangers of sharing saliva with children. While adults may have developed a stronger immune system to handle the microbes in their mouths, children, whose immune systems are still developing, may be more susceptible to harmful infections.

Renowned psychologist Charlotte Reznick emphasizes the significance of recognizing this risk, as certain infections can be transmitted to children through saliva, leading to potential serious consequences. By taking necessary precautions to limit the exchange of saliva, parents can prioritize the protection and well-being of their children.

A child may not understand that it is not appropriate to kiss other people in the same way.

Psychologists explain that children often learn by imitating their environment. Consequently, they may innocently replicate kissing on the lips as a form of expressing affection towards others, without fully understanding the intimate nature of the gesture. As a result, they may unknowingly extend this behavior to individuals outside their family.

To prevent such situations, experts recommend redirecting kisses to the child’s cheeks or forehead. This approach helps children develop an understanding of personal boundaries and appropriate forms of physical affection in different social contexts.

It can be confusing for the kid.

Kissing a child on the lips can make them uncomfortable, especially as they grow older. However, parents often miss the moment when it is time to stop expressing affection in this way. The child may feel embarrassed, awkward, or even unpleasant, but they may not be able to articulate these feelings. Doctor Reznick said, “If you start kissing your kids on the lips, when do you stop?”

In recent years, debates surrounding this topic have not subsided. The Beckham family, for instance, faced criticism due to photos posted on David’s Instagram account. He shared pictures where he kisses his daughter on the lips, she is 12-year-old now. However, there were also defenders who showed their support by posting similar pictures with their own children in solidarity with David and Victoria.

Indeed, raising children can be challenging. You never know which actions can help your child and which might harm them. If you are concerned about boosting your child’s self-esteem, take a look here.