In the spotlight: Celebrity parents who have hit back at critics

Over the last few days, David Beckham has become the latest celebrity parent to come under fire after his four-year-old daughter, Harper, was pictured with a dummy in her mouth. Cue outrage. As a parent whose child has numerous 'dodies' stashed in secret spots all over the house (she is 18 months old - for anyone who wants to judge), I know all about the power of the pacifier; especially when it comes to calming and comforting (and sleeping). Plus, there are FAR worse things a parent could give their child. Seriously, like. I was glad to see David responded to the criticism, but the parenting appraisal won't stop there - unfortunately for all the famous mums and dads. Here are seven celebrities who have been criticised for their parenting choices, starting with dad of the moment... 1. David Beckham Hitting back over 'dummygate', the dad of four responded to an article posted by The Daily Mail. He commented on Instagram, "Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts ?? Everybody who has children knows that when they aren't feeling well or have a fever you do what comforts them best and most of the time it's a pacifier so those who criticize think twice about what you say about other people's children because actually you have no right to criticize me as a parent."

Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts ?? Everybody who has children knows that when they aren't feeling well or have a fever you do what comforts them best and most of the time it's a pacifier so those who criticize think twice about what you say about other people's children because actually you have no right to criticize me as a parent ...

A photo posted by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Aug 10, 2015 at 9:23am PDT

2. Kim Kardashian There was speculation that the reality TV star had plucked her daughter's eyebrows after she shared the below photo of North on Instagram. Taking to Twitter to hit back, Kim said, "Do people really think I would wax my daughters eyebrows so young? Come on, I’d wait until she’s at least 2 1/2! I'm kidding!!! Its pretty sick for people to insinuate that I would wax my daughters eyebrows. They are thick, natural and amazing!"

SMILE A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Dec 16, 2013 at 2:23pm PST

3. Ryan Reynolds The new dad came under fire when his wife, Blake Lively, posted a photo of him wearing his daughter incorrectly. He responded on Today, "I'm a first-time dad, and that is not the first mistake I've made. I can guarantee you it won't be the last."

Happy Fathers Day!!! ... @vancityreynolds Since the day our baby was born, I've felt so strongly in my heart that you were most likely the father. ?????????#ILoveYouSoMuchItsSilly A photo posted by Blake Lively (@blakelively) on Jun 21, 2015 at 7:29am PDT

4. Jessica Simpson The mum of two got people talking when she posted a picture to Instagram of her toddler daughter "striking a pose" in her swimming togs. Although Jessica didn't respond directly, she does continue to post photos of her children, who are completely adorable.

#maxidrew

A photo posted by Jessica Simpson (@jessicasimpson) on May 25, 2015 at 10:55pm PDT

5. Katie Holmes Who can forget the pictures of young Suri, daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, wearing high heels? The actress responded to comments on American TV show Access Hollywood. She said, "Like every little girl, she loves my high heels. They are actually ballroom dancing shoes for kids. I found them for her and she loves them."

A photo posted by Katie Holmes (@katieholmes212) on Apr 15, 2015 at 8:25pm PDT

6. Gwyneth Paltrow The mum of two faced criticism for apparently leading her children to follow dietary restrictions, revealing she avoids feeding them carbs. The actress quickly retorted that her decision was based on the fact that everyone in her house is intolerant of gluten, dairy and chicken’s eggs.

Feelin' the love today #luckymama

A photo posted by Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow) on May 11, 2014 at 4:00pm PDT

7. Melissa Joan Hart After posting the below picture on Instagram, the actress was told, among other things, by many that her son was too old to use a pacifier. She hit back on HuffPost Live, saying, "I've learned that I just have to be me. It's my page — if you don't like it, go away! Everybody thinks they can tell you what to do. If they have the guts to say it to my face, I think I have the guts to punch 'em."

Sometimes I have flashes where I can see my boys 20years in the future. Especially when they do these grown men things like hands down the pants. PS someone needs a hair cut on his giant head. A photo posted by Melissa Joan Hart (@melissajoanhart) on Mar 7, 2015 at 11:34am PST