A unique problem facing parents today that no other generation of parents has had to worry about is whether or not to share images of your children online. While you might want to share your life and theirs with your friends and loved ones, it’s hard to control who exactly will and won’t see what you post, and your child may grow up to not appreciate having their privacy taken away from them.
Even celebrities are facing this issue!
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Erin Napier and her husband, Ben, are most well known for their work on their show, *Home Town*.
The show follows the couple as they help families purchase and renovate homes in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi.
The couple also share a three-year-old daughter named Helen, although they make a point not to show their daughter’s face online, which Erin recently explained on her Instagram story.
Erin recently deleted a photograph of her with Helen from her Instagram after receiving a barrage of hateful comments.
“Because Ben and I have this job, it means we open ourselves up to the public in ways that are sometimes vulnerable and I think there’s value in that. I think there is a fine line between privacy and helping others by being vulnerable about some aspects of your life when you’re in the spotlight,” she wrote at the time.
Erin explained that their daughter became the focus of cruel comments.
“But tonight, because of this job we have, after posting a photo of the back of my daughter’s head (why do we never show her face? for her privacy and because of vicious strangers who lurk and comment or could seek her out) there were cruel comments within moments.”
“About a three year old child’s hair.”
“And I immediately took it down to be a good steward of my baby’s image and protector of my heart. Those comments and the people who make them are not welcome here. Full stop.”
However, Erin has recently opened up even more about how she feels about this on her Instagram story.
“I explained to a very rude comment about Helen, but don’t want her being dogpiled,” Erin said on Instagram.
“I can block her and move on. But for those who must ask why we hide her face? It’s an awful feeling to have millions of people pick apart an image of your baby’s face,” Erin explained, adding that there was more that made them uncomfortable than just mean comments.
“It’s an awful feeling to see a photo of your child used to promote some sort of overseas kids clothing company,” Erin continued.
“It’s unsettling when strangers visiting Laurel to see our Home Town (thank y’all for doing that, btw) see her out with a grandmother and reach out to embrace her when she doesn’t know them,” Erin went on to say.
“We are the protectors of her image,” Erin said,
“She exists and we are proud of her. But her likeness is ours to protect and decide when it’s okay to share, no one else’s. That’s our personal choice, and it’s not the same for everyone.”
Erin made clear it wasn’t because they were ungrateful for the love and support.
“We love and appreciate everyone who supports the show, but Helen doesn’t owe anyone anything,” she finished.
We couldn’t agree with Erin more, and we love to see her standing up for herself and for her family!
Fans took to social media to share their approval of Erin’s decision.
“Love this show and this family. I don’t blame them. So cute she looks like her mom,” one fan tweeted .
“I love that you’ve chosen not to show her face! Very good parenting!” wrote a fan on Instagram.
“I support you protecting your precious daughter. You both lead very public lives but I admire how you protect your most private moments while allowing us a peek,” another wrote.
What do you think?
How do you feel about the couple not posting their daughter’s face? Are they overreacting, or is it a good precaution to take in today’s world? Let us know how you feel in the comments!
