It is no secret that being a mom, even with just one child, is no easy task. Aside from taking care of a child, and meeting all of their needs, moms are often subjected to other people's unsolicited opinions.
It's especially tough for celebrity moms, who have to juggle raising a family while being under the watchful eyes of the public. This year, there have been multiple instances of famous moms being called out for silly little things that the parent police don't agree with.
Kelly Clarkson was accused of "child abuse" after she shared a video of her three-year-old daughter trying Nutella for the first time. A few months after that incident, Jessica Simpson became a target of criticism for uploading a photo of her five-year-old daughter in a bikini.
Pink also got scrutinized for cooking while carrying her infant son, and Jenna Dewan Tatum became the next victim of online shaming for posting a photo that apparently showed a little too much skin.
Some of these moms, including Jenna, responded to the criticisms in hopes that it will put an end to the constant shaming, but that did not seem to be very effective.
This week, there's a new celebrity mom that's receiving backlash for a photo she posted on Instagram.
Actress Julia Stiles and her husand, Preston J. Cook, welcomed their first child, Strummer, on October 20, but it wasn't until last week that the new parents decided to announce their son's arrival.
Stiles, 36, has since been posting photos of her life as a new mom, but one of her recent photos has rubbed some of her followers in the wrong way.
Last week, Stiles shared a photo of herself and baby Strummer in a carrier, along with the caption: "I haven't worn a back pack since middle school. 🤓 Now I have a front pack. #jujube #tulababycarriers"
The proud mom was then accused of being careless and not holding her five-week son properly. One user even went as far as noting that Stiles may be too "lazy to push a stroller."
The Riviera actress, who was definitely not prepared for an innocent picture to turn into a big deal, took to Instagram a few days later to address the controversy.
"It was brought to my attention that in the previous photo I am not holding my baby correctly," Stiles began her caption. "Wow, I didn't expect that. What was supposed to be a shout out of products I like, suddenly becomes an invitation to comment on my baby, and my ability as a mother. That's the internet for you, the carnivorous plant from 'Little Shop of Horrors."
She also clarified that the position depicted in the photo isn't how she normally carries her son anyway, she wanted to protect his privacy.
"I was trying to keep as much of my son's image private, including, I guess, his little feet. And it was just a photo taken at home, not how I normally carry him around. Thanks for the concern, anyway."
Stiles signed off with some advice for those who sit behind their screens and comment on the way other people live their lives.
"Yes, Mothers, always read the safety instructions. But also, Instagrammers: instead of writing snarky comments about a 5 week old, try dancing around your living room to a Clash record. It's way more fun."
What do you think of Stiles' response? Let us know in the comments!
