It’s no secret that a parent’s love for their children is unlike any other kind of bond out there. Furthermore, there’s a stereotype that girls are Daddy’s girls, meanwhile, boys are Mamma’s boys. Regardless of the dynamic, one thing holds true: parents are often their kids’ biggest supporters. However, the public will always have something to say, and in many cases, it’s not kind or pleasant. Yet, it’s said anyway. Fortunately, one mother and son duo weren’t taking the bullying without standing up for themselves when a viral picture became the subject of ridicule.
Adoring Mother and Son
Amber Wright lives in Utah with her son Brixton. His high school team won their football game, and she ran to him to give him a hug in celebration. Amber’s good friend captured the sweet mother and son moment, and she later shared it on social media. The original post was captioned, “This boy will forever and always have my entire heart. Gina captured the end of this moment, and I’m SO grateful.“, highlighting a heartfelt relationship between a boy and his mother.
A Controversial Image
The mother and son video shows Amber hugging her son, legs wrapped around him. It quickly caught the attention of millions, but not for the wholesome reason the mother and son duo were expecting. Having been has been viewed more than 9 million times, sadly, albeit unsurprisingly, many people took the wholesome moment and criticized it. However, the mother and son duo proudly hit back on internet trolls, standing up for themselves and the sweet moment they shared.
“I was so proud, I was a proud mom hugging her kid.” Amber told TODAY. “I never expected it to turn into something where people are like, ‘You’re sexually abusing him! You’re grooming him! I’m calling child protective services.”
Several other people weighed in with hurtful or judgmental comments as well. “I wonder how many of his friends are allowed to stay over. My son wouldn’t be allowed for sleepovers at their house,” said one user. Meanwhile, another added, “What, I thought this was his girlfriend?!”
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Mother and Son Speak Up
Brixton quickly spoke out, coming to his mother’s defense. “How abt you leave my mom alone. She’s never abused me done anything sexual with me or my friends or groomed me. She’s my mom she is my hero the vid of us hugging was a HUG. Go bother someone else and maybe hug your own kids. You all need Jesus damn.”
Wright explains that she comes from a very affectionate family. In the meantime, Brixton explained that his relationship with his father was challenging, and as it turns out, that night, he was wearing a jersey to honor his father, who’d recently passed away. Wright continued to explain that her son was feeling emotional after such a big game, and meaningful night. Therefore, the mother and son were in an embraced fueled by love, excitement, and support for one another.
Fortunately, the mother son duo have also received support from the general public, getting private messages that have been encouraging. One anonymous mother said that she believes her son would have done the same thing because they are “best friends“. Another message said, “I see a mom a beautiful mom who loves her son and he is her everything!”
All Parents Want the Best
Most people set out to be the best possible version of themselves, which includes being parents. Although it’s impossible for parents to never make any mistakes with their kids, most often, kids just need to feel loved and secure. As such, even the worst feeling is that mothers and fathers are good parents, just by being concerned and feeling like they might fall short. Most often, if a parent worries about the well-being of their child, they’re headed on the right path of parenthood.
This mother and son have a deep bond, which is healthy and necessary for cultivating other healthy and happy, relationships.
The Balance of Love
Much like everything in life, balance is the key to successful parenting. According to an article published by Psychology Today, “over-nurturing” can cause confidence issues, lack of personal responsibility, or other mental health problems. Alternatively, parental love and support is crucial for raising a happy, healthy, child who will function well in society. So, how do parents know when it’s too much love?
Firstly, some scientific studies have shown that a lack of affection from parents can create more than just mental health problems. Sadly, it can also cause physical health complications such as an increased risk of things like Coronary Artery Complications and issues with the developing immune system. Therefore, it’s essential to give children love and affection, as well as help build their confidence.
Unintentional Damage
On the other hand, too much love may give children a false sense of self. They may become so into themselves and their own lives that they cannot relate or empathize with others. Furthermore, children may be unable to realistically gauge their own place in the world and may be too prideful, boastful, or entitled. Some examples of “over-nurturing” may be to fight a child’s battle for them. It may include doing their homework for them or telling them they don’t have to and you’ll speak with their teacher about it. Other options include always picking up after them or never insisting they do any work for themselves or be held accountable for their actions.
However, it’s important to note that hugging children, encouraging them to keep trying, and reminding them of their strengths is a sure way to raise children who are happy and well-rounded individuals. Regardless of how parents choose to raise their children, this mother and son duo clearly has an unshakable bond and has cultivated a home full of love and support for one another.
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Sources
- “Mom and son hit out at trolls after video of them together goes viral.” Newsner. September 18, 2023.
- “Mom responds after photo of her hugging her son raises eyebrows.” TODAY. Rachel Paula Abrahamson September 15, 2023.
- “Parental Warmth Is Crucial for a Child’s Well-Being.” Psychology Today. Christopher Bergland October 4, 2013.
- “Can You Love Your Children Too Much?” Psychology Today. David Bredehoft. January 7, 2023.