When Kim Kardashian let North West wear bright-red lipstick in 2018 she was criticized by the public. But she isn’t the only one to be slammed like this.
Teen Mom‘s Maci Bookout can make a full-blown news story purely for the way she disciplines her kids. Then again, it’s a very different kind of headline from her former co-star, Farrah Abraham. Whether papped parenting questionably or just taking to social media, there doesn’t seem to be a celeb out there who don’t get a response.
North West can stumble with Kim appearing not to notice. The cameras will pick it up. When Britney Spears drove with her infant son on her lap, mothers around the world could barely believe it. Britney had to defend the “horrifying encounter” with the paparazzi, but it didn’t seem to be enough, as Today reports. People will always judge.
Angelina Jolie, Cardi B, Khloe Kardashian, Jamie-Lynn Spears: They’re all celebs (with very different work). They’re also all mothers. It’s when the paparazzi are snapping kids being parented in questionable ways that everyone gets talking — those moments when the baby seems to be “almost dropped.” The times when almost dropping the baby was done as a statement…
All moms have their limits. It’s called being a human being. Unfortunately for celebs, though, their job comes with being on view 100% of the time. From Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner to Leah Messer and Beyonce, here are 20 pics of celeb kids that made everyone question their famous parents.
20. KIM KARDASHIAN APPEARING TO IGNORE THIS
The year 2016 was when Hollywood Life reported Kim Kardashian “ignoring” North West as she “stumbles to the ground.” Of course, it’s a gossip site. You’re going to hear the least favorable angle. Still, the pics speak for themselves. The media outlet reported that Kim took a “giant step backwards to get out of the way of her daughter falling.”
Given how much Kim adores her kids, the report seems a bit much. Nonetheless, Hollywood Life did point out a prior incident that seemed to cover familiar territory. One month prior, Kim had taken North to Toys ‘R’ Us, and the same had happened. Definitely an “oops” moment!
19. BRITNEY SPEARS WITH HER BABY ON HER LAP
It feels like a zillion years ago, but 2006 was the year that Britney Spears was infamously papped driving with her infant son on her lap. As the world lashed out and Britney came under fire, this girl was heavily criticized. As The Standard reports, Britney defended the situation.
“I instinctively took measures to get my baby and me out of harm’s way, but the paparazzi continued to stalk us, and took photos of us which were sold to the media.”
Britney added: “I love my child and would do anything to protect him.” We 100% know that this singer loves her kids, but when you’re behaving somewhat irresponsibly, it is going to get noticed.
18. WHATEVER CHARLIZE THERON HAD GOING ON HERE
Charlize Theron is a giant deal. This Hollywood actress has an Oscar to her name, a Dior contract under her belt, and apparently, not much luck with the paparazzi. Appearing to be more than stern with her son here caused a giant stir, and Red Book Mag covered it.
“Monster Mom” was the headline, as Dr. Gilda said: “She’s got to find out what’s on his mind by asking him and letting him talk about his feelings. Not dragging him around.” It’s a mother’s choice how strict she chooses to be, but this moment didn’t leave many moms happy. Charlize has adopted children.
17. KYLIE JENNER’S CRYSTAL-STUDDED BABY OUTFIT
It wouldn’t be Kylie Jenner without glam. The world’s “youngest billionaire” as per BBC is only 21 years old, but her 2018 fortune of $900 million is old news. Kylie is now worth $1 billion. In 2018, Stormi Webster arrived (and we’re still getting over it). Christmas Eve brought us this IG caption from Kylie.
“this is me leaving the party early to go give my baby a bath (while wearing this dress because I couldn’t get it off by myself) and put her to sleep and it was the best xmas eve yet.”
Nobody was questioning Kylie’s love or dedication here. What did get noticed though, was Stormi’s somewhat uncomfortable-looking outfit. Too many crystals for a onesie, right?
16. KATE GOSSELIN TAKES IT TOO FAR
Kate Plus 8 might feel like a while back, but the show’s star had made quite the professional path for herself. Kate Gosselin is now divorced from her husband, but the sextuplets and two other children raised on reality TV have stayed front-page news. Kate is as strict as they come. For some, it’s a little too strict.
When this picture of Kate surfaced, it was clear that some moms weren’t having it. The Daily Mail‘s report after Kate’s nanny spilled the deets was really something, but the situation mostly left mothers sad. Kate seems under a lot of pressure, but taking it out on the kids isn’t the answer.
15. PEACHES GELDOF: PRIORITIZING THE PHONE OVER THE BABY
Peaches Geldof might not be famous on Kylie Jenner’s level, but she’s still a celeb. The daughter to Bob Geldof made major headlines in 2011 as The Huffington Post reported: Peaches “accidentally tips baby son Astala out of his buggy.” Accidents happen. When the reason seems to be prioritizing a phone though, it’s going to make headlines.
“Was just walking with Astala in his pram and there was a massive hole in the pavement I didn’t see as was pushing the pram and the pram… fell into it and toppled over!” Peaches tweeted after the incident. She called London’s sidewalks “dangerous,” but there was no mention of her phone.
14. LEAH MESSER TEXTING WHILE DRIVING
Nobody expected the Teen Mom cast to know what they were doing – at first. The franchise spin-off from 16 and Pregnant saw teenage mothers battle the challenges of young motherhood, and we have to say, the show did a good job. Now full-blown celebs in their own right, these mothers continue on Teen Mom 2and Teen Mom OG.
“It has to stop,” In Touch Weekly wrote when Leah Messer was caught texting while driving. At this stage, celeb moms are supposed to be an example. While views on discipline can vary between mothers, the simple fact of texting while driving isn’t up for debate. It’s a danger. We hope Leah has learned.
13. PINK’S KITCHEN MULTITASKING
This one might have got a few moms talking, but let’s face it, it’s adorable. Pink is a best-selling artist who always came with a little something different. Now a mother who is super hands-on, this former ’90s star is rocking motherhood (with a few risks).
Kids love being in the kitchen. They climb the counters, put their fingers in everything, and there’s a reason they need an eye kept on them. While this social media pic from Pink didn’t show any immediate danger, it did seem a touch much. The baby. The frying pan. Another kid. In a way though, it seems like this mom had it all covered.
12. THAT TIME KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN DROPPED THE BALL
It doesn’t matter what you throw at Kourtney Kardashian – she can handle it. Except for those teeny tiny moments when she can’t. 2015 was the year that this tumble got papped, and Hollywood Life reported that Penelope’s face plus a car door equaled a problem.
Accidents do happen. For some reason though, we judge celeb moms more than we should. This pic went viral immediately, although Kourtney has never seemed a bad mother. Gluten-free and dairy-free living might raise a few eyebrows, but aside from this pic, it’s mostly exemplary parenting from Kourt. Penelope seemed to be fine afterward (in case you’re wondering).
11. THAT TIME MICHAEL JACKSON ACTUALLY DANGLED HIS BABY
There’s a limit. The late Michael Jackson may have been a loving father, but most moms will agree that limit was crossed. An infant Blanket (who is now a teenager) was dangled over a hotel balcony in one of the most-photographed celeb parent moments ever. As BBC reports, “Michael Jackson admitted he had made a “[very bad] mistake.” The Adlon Hotel incident has gone down in history as one of the most questionable parenting methods ever. While BBC dubbed it a “stunt,” everyone could see that this moment crossed the line. Fortunately, nobody was hurt. This late star continues to make headlines (in sad ways).
10. THE THINGS BEYONCE MAKES BLUE IVY WEAR
Motherhood isn’t immediately what people associate Beyonce with. The biggest face in R&B is the original “Independent Woman,” although Bey is also a mother to three kids. Of course, the names are totally “Hollywood.” Blue Ivy joins Beyonce’s 2017-born twins, Rumi and Sir.
Beyonce is glam. Simple as. When Blue Ivy joined her mom on the red carpet, nobody was fully questioning Beyonce’s parenting, but this look didn’t get past us. Sure, it’s a high-profile life. Then again, are kids really comfortable in front of flashing cameras (and wearing this?) We’d ask Blue Ivy, but we probably couldn’t get anywhere near her.
9. THE EYEBROW WAXING FARRAH ABRAHAM’S DAUGHTER SPORTS
There’s always a headline with Farrah Abraham. The former Teen Mom cast member saddens us a little with her decision to “quit” the show for an entirely different line of work, as Cosmo reports. It isn’t Farrah’s work we’re looking at, though. It’s her daughter’s eyebrows.
“Cosmetic [works] to me, are something that is way different from plucking your eyebrows,” Farrah said, defending having waxed her daughter’s brows. As Us Magazine reports, this mom didn’t back down when social media slammed the star for waxing her child’s natural eyebrows. Glam squads and lipsticks seem fine with most moms, but not everyone appreciated this.
8. KIM FORGETS NORTH WEST, HAS TO GO BACK AND GET HER
The year 2014 was the time that this video went viral. Kim Kardashian had left her hotel in Paris for Fashion Week. It also kind of looks like she forgot her baby, as Closer Online reported. Kim was filmed leaving the hotel alone before returning (then coming back out with North West).
“Heard on the radio today some story I forgot my daughter at our hotel as I’m leaving for the airport. Are you kidding me?!?!?! LOL,” Kim tweeted in defense. Kim mentioned a car seat issue, before adding: “Do u guys really think a 1-year-old would be inside the lobby by herself! Oh, wait she was waiting to check out lol.”
7. WHEN BRITNEY’S STABILITY WAS A BIG CONCERN
Britney Spears is arguably more stable now than she ever was. The 2000s saw somewhat of a downward spiral for Britney as she battled personal problems, but the paparazzi were loving it. Yes, it’s a harsh industry. Britney had two young sons at the time, and seeing her tearful like this got everyone concerned.
“Today I had a horrifying… encounter with the paparazzi while I was with my baby,” ES quotes Britney saying back when she was papped driving with her child on her lap. “I love my child,” she added. Honestly, it’s just good to see that this unstable period in Britney’s life is truly behind her.
6. ALL THE TIMES KATIE HOLMES LET LITTLE SURI WEAR HEELS
The sum $3 million is the estimated worth of Suri Cruise’s wardrobe, as Marie Claire reports. Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise’s little girl isn’t so little anymore, but it was her age that was in question here. Little girls seem to be growing up faster and faster these days. North West is wearing makeup. Farrah Abraham’s daughter has waxed eyebrows.
Suri may have been the envy of every little girl around back when she was this young, but not every mother approved of the high-heeled look. Katie Holmes herself is super-chilled with her simple wardrobe. It isn’t jeans and tees for little Suri, though. It’s heels.
5. ALL THE TIMES STORMI WAS PROMO FOR KYLIE COSMETICS
Stormi Webster may well grow up to become the most famous kid ever. Kylie Jenner’s little girl is getting cuter by the day. In February 2019, Stormi turned one (and yes, she got a giant bash). Kylie shares adorable videos of her little girl on IG, but don’t think this kid isn’t on the job.
“Trying to teach her some new words” was a 2018 video of Stormi clutching a Kylie Cosmetics kit. “Kylie…Cosmetics. Kylie…Cosmetics,” you can hear Kylie saying. Stormi babbles and giggled, replying: “Dada.” Ultimately, it was the cutest thing we’ve ever seen, but not every mom was happy to see a baby promoting stuff this early.
4. PLAYING “HAPPY FAMILIES” NOW MAKES EVERYONE A BIT WORRIED
With a little help from Jordyn Woods, Khloe Kardashian is now front-page news. This baby momma has had it super-tough. Khloe was still pregnant when The Daily Mail released footage of Tristan Thompson that caused a stir, but it’s #JordynWoods, now. Khloe Tweeted:
“What’s been harder & more painful is being hurt by someone so close to me. Someone whom I love & treat like a little sister. But Jordyn is not to be blamed for the breakup of my family. This was Tristan’s fault.”
While Jordyn told Red Table Talk that the situation was limited, Khloe is now a solo mother. This Thanksgiving pic with True and Tristan made us a little sad.
3. SHAKIRA: SLAMMED FOR TAKING HER NEWBORN TO A CROWDED STADIUM
Shakira will forever be a legend. The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer has enjoyed the power of a professional rise, even if she is a little less high-profile than she used to be. When it comes to celeb parenting moments, this one isn’t on a Michael Jackson level. Still, it did get noticed.
When Shakira took her newborn baby, Sasha to a crowded soccer game, she dressed her baby to support the team. That’s one tiny baby, though. When newborns are tiny and vulnerable, the crowd and noise at a major sporting event can be a bit much. By and large, though, they’re fast asleep. We’re hoping he slept through the noise!
2. NORTH WEST’S FASHION WEEK TANTRUM
This pic is already iconic. “North West Throws A Tantrum At Kanye West’s Fashion Show” became The Huffington Post‘s headline the minute North West started screaming her little head off back in 2015. Kim K is an A-Lister. She gets a front-row seat. Joining her was little North (and Beyonce).
While it was good to see the family team up for Kanye’s collection, we can’t help but notice that the event was likely after North’s bedtime. Kids aren’t generally seen at fashion shows. Then again, when you’re North West, you were born with an invite. North now walks her own runway.
1. OCTOMOM: NOW PARENTING 14, AMID WELFARE AND CUSTODY HEADLINES
Shows about having a lot of kids are a dime a dozen, now. Kate Plus 8 and 19 Kids And Counting more than cover the large families, although one mom came first (and in an unusual way). Nadya Suleman, aka Octomom, had eight children in one go. While reality TV was interested in this mother’s coping mechanisms, viewers found the show challenging.
As Nadya’s personal life spiraled, she told ABC News: “I was more or less a carnival attraction. I was a freak show.” With controversies in every direction and custody battles, Nadya finds herself on this list for being just another mom who raised eyebrows. Nadya now has 14 children.