Recently, an Olympic gymnast sparked a lively discussion online by sharing a photo of herself kissing her young son on the lips.
On July 4, Shawn Johnson posted a video on Instagram featuring a moment with her 2-year-old son, Barrett ‘Bear’.
In the video, Johnson, who is wed to Andrew East, can be seen giving her child several kisses on the lips as they enjoyed a sunny day on a boat celebrating Independence Day.
She captioned the post, “What a smooch!! Hahahaha this guy came outta nowhere!!”
The comment section quickly filled up with mixed reactions.
Some users questioned if the display of affection was appropriate.
One commenter expressed, “My husband and I have never kissed our daughter on the lips, we’ll kiss her cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, whatever we will not kiss her lips. Teaching boundaries early is very important.”
Another shared a more balanced view: “I do kiss my son on the lips but when he wants to do a ‘long kiss’ like Daddy I say ‘no that’s only for grown ups when they get married’ as I feel for me personally it becomes a bit inappropriate, but each to their own.”
Someone else suggested such affection should be reserved: “Pecks are one thing… Only Dad should be kissing mom like that”
However, many were quick to support Johnson, arguing that such gestures are part of growing up and reflect a special bond between mother and child.
One individual commented: “It’s that age! They are so in love with their mommas. By 5 mine was back to the cheek. Enjoy every minute with your babies it goes quick!”
Another remarked on the normalcy of the behavior: “Love the intense love for his momma! My youngest was like this, so deeply loving to me! He is still a big momma lover at now 7 years old, he will give me kisses everyday, and really pause in the love of it.”
A fellow mother joined in support, saying: “Not as many lip kisses now that he’s older but he will give me cheek kisses in his appreciation of things I’ve done for him or just to say I love you mom!”
One commenter shared a cultural perspective: “I’m sorry but is this not normal?? I’m Hispanic and I grew up kissing my parents on the lips, now I kiss my children on the lips too. I see a bunch of older white women disgusted by it in the comments which is sad because its such a beautiful thing.”
Besides her son, Johnson also has daughter Drew Hazel, 6, and son Jett James, 4, with her husband Andrew East, 34.
UNILAD has reached out to Shawn Johnson for a comment.