‘Why not?’: Influencer defends parenting detail

One of the women behind one of Australia’s biggest health and wellness brands has hit back at criticism over a “ridiculous” parenting detail.

One of the women behind one of Australia’s biggest health and wellness brands has called out a troll who made a dig at her over a small parenting detail.

Steph Claire Smith, who is currently pregnant with her second child, recently shared a TikTok where son Harvey, four, was touching her belly.

She said he loved touching her pregnant tummy or seeing it uncovered — but it was a tiny detail on her boy’s hand in the sweet image that sparked a “ridiculous” debate.

“Why’s his nails painted,” someone asked, with three skull emojis.

Smith, who runs Kic with Laura Henshaw, said she initially wasn’t going to respond but she couldn’t believe it was a conversation still being had.

“If my son, a four-year-old boy, wants to have his nails painted there’s nothing wrong with that,” she said.

The popular influencer said she assumed the comment was negative judging by the use of emojis accompanying it.

“I just think this is absolutely ridiculous. The reason his nails are painted are because he wanted them painted,” she said.

“In fact, he’s always asked me for his nails to be painted. He is the only male in my life that appreciates when I get my nails done.”

Steph Claire Smith has responded to a troll. Picture: TikTok

Smith said Harvey is always curious about the colour she picks, and loves when she gets a “fun” one. She said he prefers anything pink, sparkly and bright. The last few weeks, Harvey has wanted multiple colours.

“Why wouldn’t I do that,” she said.

Many social media users agreed with Smith, defending her for allowing Harvey to paint his nails.

“It’s weird that these people can’t think from a child’s point of view … of course getting nails painted looks like fun, it’s not a gender thing it becomes a gender thing because society makes it one,” one social media user said.

Another added: “A boy in my class had his nails painted pink today and NOT ONE kid made a comment. Can adults do the same.”

“YEP!!!! My boy wants his nails painted all the time. ️He loves motor bikes, nails and even asked daycare today to paint them,” one said.

They were mad at the fact her son's nails were painted. Picture: TikTok

Another commented: “LET KIDS BE KIDS. DON'T SEXUALISE OR GENDERISE CRAP.”

“My husband has started painting his nails because he loves to do it with our daughters and he’s actually loved it so much he asks them if they want to do it now,” one said.

One social media user added: “My son had his toenails painted recently and the amount of odd looks and questions from even family members was mind boggling. He asked and I didn’t even hesitate! He loved them!”

“Both my boys always wanted their nails painted when I had mine done. They’re 16 and 9 now. They’re fine. Hate this attitude, I got the same and also about when they had longer hair. They wanted it! Let kids be what they want,” added another.

But, some were less than kind.

“It’s scary how many of you think this is fine. God help our world,” one said.

Another added: “Y’all confusing your kids. And wanna act like people calling it out are the worst people ever. Get a grip.”