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A tabloid tried to publicly shame David Beckham's 4-year-old for her pacifier. He did what you'd do.

"Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts?"

Would you ever walk up to a stranger walking with their child, pull out a megaphone, and tell the world why you think they're doing parenting wrong?

The Daily Mail, a tabloid known for being (based on an unscientific poll I did of my U.K. friends) full of awful sensationalist drivel that represents everything wrong with humanity, decided to back-seat drive athlete/celebrity David Beckham's parenting decisions when it posted a story about his adorable 4-year-old daughter Harper earlier this week.


Mr Beckham and his daughter, ignoring horrible newspapers and looking stylish. Photo by Don Emmert/Getty Images.

You see, Harper Beckham still uses a pacifier on occasion to soothe herself. And the Daily Mail apparently felt that it was in her best interest for them to plaster her photo over the entire Internet and call up some other people to join in shaming her for using a pacifier. And they even had the gall to pretend the article stemmed from concerns about Harper's welfare, warning that she could end up with "speech or dental issues."

Because nothing protects a child's welfare like publicly shaming a 4-year-old's life choices in a horrible newspaper.

David Beckham, being her dad, apparently was not impressed with the Daily Mail's editorial decisions.

He had some choice words for them on Instagram.


Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts ?? 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 so 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 ...
A photo posted by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on

You tell 'em, Becks.

Parenting is hard. Every kid is different.

Unless a child is actually being abused or neglected, you really shouldn't talk about them on the Internets. I'm a parent. My children have, on occasion, said and done things that I would prefer they didn't.

Not one of my friends or strangers has gone on the Internet, posted their picture, and publicly shamed me for my 3-year-old's decision to slap me in the face and then ballet dance on my head.

If you actually are concerned about something valid (not a child's choice of comforting objects), maybe you should go talk to them about it. It's more efficient and less awful than profiting off a toddler's life decisions.

If someone tries to tell you how to do your job, just bend them like Beckham.

Because what he said on Instagram is just so true:

"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 so 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 ..."

To all the parents like Mr. Beckham out there doing their best to make sure their kids turn into fully functional grownups, I salute you.

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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