Every family is different – each child has their own specific needs, and each parent has their own unique perspective. This is why we can totally appreciate Nisha Moodley’s point of view in her latest Instagram.
Nisha, who shares insights into motherhood on her Instagram page, took to the site this week to share her take on picking her son up.
Posting a photo of herself and her little one in bed, Nisha explained: “Since the moment he was born, we always asked before we pick him up. I always feel for his ‘yes’.
“Why? Because we want him to know that his body is his, and that others’ bodies are theirs, and no one gets to make choices about someone else’s body.”
In a follow-up ‘sidenote’, Nisha suggested that a person wanting to pick another parent’s baby up should always ask first.
“It always touches my heart when someone takes a moment to connect with him and says, ‘Can I hold you, dude?’” she added.
So, mums, what do you think of Nisha’s take on holding little ones?
With a following of almost 21,000 on Instagram, you can imagine that there were some pretty strong reactions to Nisha’s post – and not all of them were positive or polite, for that matter.
“So disturbing,” wrote one follower, adding, “Liberalism is a disease. You are what is wrong with America.”
While others branded Nisha’s approach as ‘ridiculous’, there were some who articulated their arguments a little less harshly.
“I would like to offer a perspective as an Early Years teacher,” wrote one follower. “Young children rely on their parents to be their leaders, protectors and decision makers. To offer a baby a choice is deeply unsettling – a child is not a small adult. Even too much choice for an adult can leave nerves jangled (it can make shopping stressful, for example).”
There were plenty of fellow parents and professionals who jumped to Nisha’s defence also, with many calling out her critics for their shaming behaviour.
One offered: “Early childhood development professionals know that it’s never too early to tune into your child’s needs and respond to them, and this mum is doing just that. Many elementary schools have even installed ‘my body, your body’ lessons to teach boundaries and establish positive body image and awareness.”
Well, mums; you’ve heard all angles of the argument – what are your thoughts? Be sure to let us know in the comment section!
