In a bold stand against online critics, a father from Yorkshire, UK, has taken to social media to defend his choice to show affection to his five-year-old son, Roman.
The doting dad, Tom, who goes by @tom_leeds online, recently shared a heartwarming video featuring a quick peck on the lips with his son, sparking an unexpected wave of controversy.
In the video, originally intended to highlight the similar color of their eyes, Tom and Roman share a father-son moment that some viewers found unpalatable.
Critics took to the comments, arguing that such an act may confuse the child and make him "more susceptible to cavities". One disapproving commenter advised, "Just gorgeous both, but don't kiss him on the lips."
Unfazed by the unexpected backlash, Tom swiftly replied, "I will continue to kiss my son on the lips. Thank you."
Standing his ground, he followed up with another video reaffirming his stance, saying, "I find it worrying that it bothers you. I will kiss my son, my five-year-old child, on the lips for as long as I deem necessary and as long as he lets me, right, 'cause I love him to bits and he's my best pal and one day he won't want me to and he probably won't want much to do with me. So for now, I'll carry on as I am."
Although the majority of comments showed support for Tom, a few other concerns were raised. One unusual argument suggested that kissing his son could transfer bacteria, leading to an increased risk of cavities. Roman himself chimed in during a video response, aptly remarking, "Don't be silly."
In his most recent clip, which has garnered over 15,700 views, Tom addresses another point of criticism of such shows of affection.
A comment read: "Don't kiss your children on the lips fact, because not all humans have the right intentions, do you see what I'm saying? Don't make it acceptable!"
To this, Tom humorously retorted, "So let's apply that logic. I can't have him in my car anymore to take him places because he could get in a stranger's car and think that's normal. He can't live in my house anymore because - well, he could just walk in a stranger's house and think that's normal. Or we could... teach him that he's got a mummy and a daddy and kissing them is normal, but kissing dodgy Barry down the road is a bit weird."
Despite the controversy, many rallied behind the father, encouraging him to continue showing his love for his child.
"If anyone sees anything other than a dad kissing his son, then they're the ones we need to watch out for,' one supporter stated. Another chimed in, 'If someone thinks it's wrong to kiss your child then they have issues that need questioned. No one will stop me giving my baby kisses."
Echoing this sentiment, another added, "Your bond with your boy is natural, you're doing a great job."
Others shared their frustration at the situation, with one comment reading, "What is wrong with people? It's his SON! His dad showing him love will make him a more gentle, loving boy/man one day!"
Tom's stance has opened up a conversation among parents, with many sharing their own experiences of parental affection. "I will continue to grab my 3 boys by their faces and give them big kisses. I adore my babies," one parent shared.
Another added, "My daughter is 11, she kisses me on the lips. If I was about to turn my head she would think she'd done something wrong." One comment stood out, "Oh those people should jog on!"
