Lately, it seems like moms and dads on social media can't catch a break from the parent police.
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great for sharing special family moments, but it also gives way for strangers to offer unsolicited advice and harsh criticism.
Given that they're often in the public eye, celebrity moms seem to be easy targets. We've previously shared stories where Kelly Clarkson, Pink, and Jenna Dewan Tatum were called out for their parenting styles, but it looks like trolls don't plan to back down anytime soon, and have already moved on to their next target: Olivia Wilde.
The actress and mom of two, best known for her role in the hit medical-drama House, usually shares photos of her small family online and has managed to escape the judgement of the parent police until now.
Wilde is the latest victim of online mom-shamers after her recent Instagram post rubbed some people the wrong way. Apparently, the way in which Wilde displayed affection towards her son in the photo is wrong, and a few had some mean things to say about it.
In the controversial photo, Wilde is seen kissing her son on the lips during what appears to be his bath time. She simply captioned the photo with "Finding hope in this <3."
Unfortunately, when you're mom on the internet, precious moments like these get ruined by strangers who want to make sure you're parenting the right way.
Like this user who went as far as claiming that Wilde's kiss is "gonna give the kid lip aids," which is not a real medical condition.
Other users sexualized the entire situation by likening it to Olivia kissing her husband, which just made everything even more awkward.
"We don't kiss on the mouth a child," read one comment. "The kid think 'mum kiss me like she kiss dad' it's not normal."
Some even argued that had the genders been switched then Wilde's actions would be even more inappopriate.
"Adorable. Would it be still appropriate if the genders were switched? Just curious," wrote another user.
Thankfully, many other parents who understood Wilde's intentions came to her rescue with some messages of support.
"Your son is beautiful, your relationship is beautiful," wrote a commenter. "Please do not let anything rob you of that. Fight like a mama bear forever, for him."
Another added, "I'm just reading about the big deal that was made over this precious photo. I still kiss my four year old son as often as I can... They don't stay little forever. It's a shame that people who clearly have issues have to continuously judge others. And, @cmobarak right?!? If anyone kisses their hubby like this, they need some serious spice."
While it is understandable that some parents are concerned about the health effects of kissing a child on the lips, we're certain that Wilde had no intention of infecting her son with "lip aids" or herpes.
The actress was not fazed by the frenzy, and has continued to share precious photos of her family online. She has refused to acknowledge the shamers and has so far remained silent about the entire ordeal.
What do you think of the situation?
