The famous mom responded to backlash in a positive way. It proves why a kind village is critical.

GETTYIMAGES/RANDY SHROPSHIRE/CONTRIBUTOR

For years, the world has known Paris Hilton as an heiress, socialite, fashionista, and reality TV star. But her latest role as new mom is one that’s exposed an entirely new—and somewhat less polished side—of Hilton.

The businesswoman, who welcomed two children via surrogate in 2023, has been busy sharing many of her parenting moments on social media. In a few instances, that sharing has exposed some of Hilton’s parenting foibles and the social media-sphere has been quick to pounce.

On a positive note, there have been supportive fans who have shared their parenting advice in a helpful way, and through Hilton’s feedback, it’s clear that makes a difference.

Why Paris Hilton Is Facing Parenting Backlash

Recently, Hilton posted a TikTok video of her son Phoenix, 1, in a hotel pool wearing a life jacket backward.

“Hey momma just a tip from another puddle jumper mom I think it’s on backwards. But I love this video pure joy,” wrote one viewer.

“The little life jacket is backwards, but you are an amazing mother!!! Enjoy every moment, my youngest just graduated high school,” added another.

Hilton didn’t appear to take offense to the advice and instead thanked the parenting village she’s amassed: “Oops! Thank you! I never let him out of my arms. Thought it was backwards too, I said that to the person who I bought it from & they said it was on right. But thank you so much for letting me know.”

Weeks before, Hilton was on the receiving end of social media parenting advice once again. That time, Hilton inadvertently triggered safety concerns and backlash after posting a (since-deleted) video on TikTok of her children’s car seats positioned in the wrong direction in her van.

The seats were facing forward, which is recommended only after kids reach a specific height and weight, and Hilton had apparently used both the vehicle’s latch and seat belts to secure the seats. Followers flooded the video’s comments section to point out the safety error and one viewer called on Hilton to “hire someone to install car seats.”

The next day, 43-year-old Hilton posted an updated video with the seats properly installed adding: “Thanks for the mom advice, I’m new to this.”

Hilton also popped into the comments section of the updated video to respond to individuals who praised her for heeding the car seat tips offered by viewers and not taking offense to them.

“I’m a new mom and just learning as I go, so I appreciate advice when it is kind as I’m just trying to be the best mom I can be,” she wrote. “Everything that comes to me with love and kindness I will always take with love.”

Parenting Is a Journey No Matter Who You Are

As Hilton pointed out herself on social media last year, when you live life in the spotlight, comments are inevitable. Between social media and paparazzi, celebrity parents can easily find themselves under glaring scrutiny.

But it’s equally important to remember that parenting is a continual learning experience, no matter who the parent in question happens to be. It’s a journey filled with daily ups and downs and plenty of mistakes. Rather than criticizing or shaming new parents, offering support or lending a helping hand can be a far more effective approach.

A poll conducted by Michigan Medicine’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital found that in the case of mothers, 61% say they’ve been criticized about their parenting choices, with the bulk of that commentary coming from family members. About 7% of it was attributed to social media critics.1

The same poll revealed that the criticism is aimed at everything from approaches to disciplining a child to breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding. And about 20% of the unsolicited input often centers around a mom’s handling of safety issues.1

This type of commentary, however, can trigger uncertainty about parenting choices, says the poll. It can also cause anxiety, which “if prolonged or pronounced, is a problem for both mother and child, and for mothers struggling with anxiety, one seemingly innocent comment can become a tipping point into potentially harmful uncertainty.”1

Why a Kind Parenting Village Matters

In Hilton’s case, the reality star appears to be taking the feedback in stride when it is offered with a dose of kindness. And in doing so, Hilton is providing an important reminder that even with the best of intentions, all parents make mistakes. And with supportive feedback, mistakes can be corrected without feeling shamed.

“What I actually love is that she’s a new mom making new mom mistakes! I’ve put my kids shoes on with stuffing still in the toes,” one follower commented on Hilton’s TikTok video of her son swimming with the backward life jacket.

“One of my favorite things of Paris Mom is when she listens to her village and appreciates the help,” added another.

As child care advocate and author of Build Your Village, Florence Ann Romano notes Hilton is also offering a valuable lesson about positively navigating parenting and unsolicited feedback in today’s hyperconnected (and hypercritical) world.

“Correcting her mistakes publicly, sharing what she learns, and advocating for her (and others) continued education is a beautiful use of social media and online connection,” says Romano. “She is creating a forum that perpetuates village support for parents.”

Hilton is also highlighting the fact that parenting doesn’t come with a manual. “Celebrity or not, every parent has to learn these lessons and fame does not exempt you from learning the ins and outs of being a new parent,” adds Romano.

As Hilton herself said in response to one TikTok viewer’s feedback: “No one is perfect. Love you.”