A loving father has responded to social media backlash after receiving criticism for kissing his five-year-old son on the lips.
Tom, from Yorkshire (@tom_leeds), called out online trolls who accused him of confusing his son, Roman — with some even suggesting the gesture could increase the boy’s risk of developing cavities.
The controversy began after Tom posted a short video earlier this week, showing a brief kiss with his son while discussing the colour of their eyes.
One commenter wrote, “Just gorgeous, both of you — but don’t kiss him on the lips.”
Tom responded firmly: “I will continue to kiss my son on the lips. Thank you.”
‘I will continue to kiss my son on the lips. thank you,’ Tom replied.
In a follow-up video, the devoted dad emphasized that he will continue showing affection to his son for as long as Roman is comfortable with it.
“It worries me that this even bothers you,” Tom told viewers, referencing the earlier criticism.
“I’ll kiss my five-year-old son on the lips for as long as I feel it’s right and as long as he allows it — because I love him deeply. He’s my best mate, and one day, he won’t want that kind of affection anymore or might not even want to hang out with me. So for now, I’ll keep doing what feels natural.”
While the majority of responses supported Tom’s affectionate parenting style, he still felt compelled to address a few lingering concerns.
One particularly unusual comment claimed that kissing a child on the lips could transfer bacteria and make them more susceptible to cavities — a notion Tom dismissed with a calm rebuttal.
Joining his dad in the reply, Roman chimed in lightheartedly: “Don’t be silly.”
In his most recent video — which has now been viewed over 15,700 times — Tom’s frustration was evident as he reacted to another critical post.
The comment read: “Don’t kiss your children on the lips. Fact. Not all humans have the right intentions — do you see what I’m saying? Don’t make it acceptable!”
Tom, unfazed, continued to defend his bond with his son and the simple, loving gestures that come with it.
The father’s frustration was clear in his latest video — which has garnered over 15,700 views — as he responded to a commenter who warned against kissing his child on the lips.
Many viewers quickly offered their support, encouraging the affectionate father to continue expressing his love and showing his son how much he means to him.
“So the logic here is, if I kiss my five-year-old, he’ll suddenly think it’s okay to go around kissing strangers — strange adults… obviously!” Tom joked sarcastically.
“So let’s apply that logic,” Tom continued sarcastically. “I guess I can’t have him in my car anymore to take him places, because then he might think it’s fine to get into a stranger’s car.
“He can’t live in my house either, because — well — he could just walk into a stranger’s house and think that’s normal.
“Or, now hear me out… we could teach him that he has a mummy and a daddy, and kissing them is completely normal — but kissing dodgy Barry down the road is a bit weird.”
Many people were quick to rally behind the father, applauding his loving approach to parenting.
“If anyone sees anything other than a dad kissing his son, then they’re the ones we need to watch out for,” one supporter wrote.
Another commenter agreed, saying, “If someone thinks it’s wrong to kiss your child, then they have issues that need addressing. No one will stop me from giving my baby kisses.”
Elsewhere, one person encouraged Tom: “Your bond with your boy is natural — you’re doing a great job.”
“What is wrong with people?” read a frustrated comment. “It’s his SON! A dad showing love will help him grow into a gentle, loving boy and man someday!”
Other parents also shared their own experiences.
“I will keep grabbing my three boys by their faces and giving them big kisses,” one wrote. “I adore my babies.”
Another added, “My daughter is 11, and she still kisses me on the lips. If I tried to turn away, she’d think she’d done something wrong.”
“Oh, those people should just move on! I kiss my 18- and 16-year-old boys all the time! Love them to bits,” shared another.
Another commenter agreed, saying, “If someone thinks it’s wrong to kiss your child, then they have issues that need addressing. No one will stop me from giving my baby kisses.”
Elsewhere, one person encouraged Tom: “Your bond with your boy is natural — you’re doing a great job.”
“What is wrong with people?” read a frustrated comment. “It’s his SON! A dad showing love will help him grow into a gentle, loving boy and man someday!”
Other parents also shared their own experiences.
“I will keep grabbing my three boys by their faces and giving them big kisses,” one wrote. “I adore my babies.”
Another added, “My daughter is 11, and she still kisses me on the lips. If I tried to turn away, she’d think she’d done something wrong.”
“Oh, those people should just move on! I kiss my 18- and 16-year-old boys all the time! Love them to bits,” shared another.
