Rihanna and A$AP Rocky threw a birthday bash for their son RZA that was nothing short of spectacular. Color Factory in New York City transformed into a toddler’s paradise, with colorful toys, thrilling slides, and a ball pit. Social media posts from party guests revealed an atmosphere overflowing with joy and laughter, with RZA undoubtedly the star of the show.
Rihanna’s chic outfit during the celebration included baggy gray denim pants, a silver strapless silk shirt, an oversized gray fuzzy jacket, metallic pointed-toe heels, oval-shaped sunglasses, and a statement silver necklace that stole almost everyone’s eyes.
Nevertheless, surrounded by merry pictures of celebration, one photograph sparked a stir online. This moment of levity between the two celebrities where Rihanna holds RZA upside down, dangling him by the feet may be familiar to parents who use the technique to tease their little ones and bond. But the internet quickly became divided.
Rihanna holding her child is going viral
PIC.TWITTER.COM/TMEBVW2M82— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) MAY 13, 2024
Social media was soon awash with comments, some of which said Rihanna as funny and wonderful for her playful style of parenting. A user commented,
“I love how Rihanna’s keeping things fun with RZA! Kids’ lives are for more fun and stupidity”.
Nevertheless, some were alarmed.
Parent noted,
“Did anyone else get chills when Rihanna held, extended the baby upside down? My heart skipped a beat!”
This begs the question: is this kind of upside-down play safe for toddlers? Dr. Patricia on the case offered her opinion:
“I mean, for a healthy little one like RZA, I think it was probably safe to very briefly hold her upside down by the ankles. But you definitely need to support her head and neck properly, and never, you know, let go”.
He offers a caution related to relative age and strength as well:
“I wouldn’t do this with a younger baby, and with babies that have a weaker neck. I hope that RZA’s neck is as developed as is can be, so this looks safe to me.”
Safety is not the only light in which the question is considered. Parents can have drastically different ways of interacting with children. What some perceive as fun, others see as unsafe. There is no “right” one-way play with a baby – it just has to be in a safe and warm environment. Another reason for concern is the constant attention of social media. One Parenthood blogger comments:
“Remember, the perfect parent doesn’t exist. Trust your instincts, prioritize your child’s safety, and don’t let online judgment cloud your judgment.”
Although the internet has split over Rihanna’s antics with RZA, the central motif is evident: the cheerful interaction between parents and their children is essential to create a safe environment and foster early-years positive development. A little silly, as long as it is done safely, upside-down time helps to create lifelong memories and secure the special parent-child connection.
