David Beckham attempted to score a goal for parents across the world on Monday, striking back against critics of his child-rearing decisions.
Specifically, letting his four-year-old daughter use a pacifier.
Beckham, known as much for his physique, celebrity status and A-list wife Victoria as his soccer career, was the target of a recent Daily Mail story.
The UK paper slammed his daughter’s use of a pacifier (or "dummy" in U.K. parlance) at age 4, along with a photo of Harper sucking on the object.
"Experts warn David and Victoria Beckham’s little girl may end up with ‘speech or dental issues’ if she continues to use one," warned the publication.
David Beckham wasn’t having any of this nonsense.
The athlete is no "dummy," and took to his Instagram account to re-post the story – along with his response – for his 10 million followers.
"Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts?" the 40-year-old wrote.
"Everybody who has children knows that when they aren’t feeling well or have a fever you do what comforts them best and most of the time it’s a pacifier."
"Do those who criticize think twice about what you say about other people’s children because actually you have no right to criticize me as a parent."
It’s hard to argue with that sentiment on merit.
Do his critics have a point, though?
Maybe. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against a child sucking strongly on a pacifier, thumb or fingers after 2-4 years of age.
David has a point too, though. There isn’t a parent alive in the world who hasn’t been corrected about their choices by complete strangers.
Ones who would never otherwise interfere in another adult’s life, or claim to know anything about them. What is it that brings out such behavior?
To other parents, parents can do no right it seems. So while you might not agree with David’s decision, why not spare him the critique?
He and Victoria are by all accounts hands on parents who care so much for each other and their kids. In our minds, that’s all you can ask.
