TV reporter named Michelle Owen, 31, has been forced to defend herself on social media after a pile-on from users accusing her of putting her young son on a leash.
The Sky Sports star had posted a photo on the beach with her toddler son Zac, 21 months, and her dog, and posted it on Twitter.
The dog was on a leash, while the toddler was standing next to a ribbon streamer that his mum was holding.
One disgruntled Twitter user accused Michelle of keeping the child on a leash - incorrectly - though Michelle pointed out many parents do this to keep their children from wandering off.
"Child on a lead? Really?" sneered the follower.
Michelle clarified: "The fluffy one is on a lead. The none fluffy one is not... that’s a ribbon streamer which he loves waving around."
She then added: "My non furry son is not on a leash. But so what if he was? Sometimes people do put toddlers on a harness as they literally run off.
"So much judgement on here, without even properly looking too".
Michelle's followers flocked to show their support, as one replied: "We used to regularly put our 2 on rains, so we could catch them if they fall and so they don’t run off while learning to walk better - don’t worry about what others say".
"Yep Zac has a little dinosaur backpack! Don’t use it much but he is so headstrong he thinks it’s fine to trot off and he’s quick!" Michelle penned back.
Another added: "No issue at all - he’s your kid ! I remember back when there had been a spate of kids being snatched or lost a new trend for a wrist strap for kids too old for old fashioned reins came in. Christ it’s not like Zac is on a choke chain ! Keep up the good work in keeping him safe".
"When my son was little we had a harness for him. Better to be safe than sorry," warned another.
A third reassured Michelle: "Keyboard warriors having nothing better to do.
"We had reins for our toddlers especially when your on a busy street or in supermarket (mmmm toys) you can never be too carefully it only takes a second for them to be off. 100% agree with you."
"There is nothing wrong with having a child on reigns!" added a fourth.
"My children all had to wear them when they were little, and it didn't do them any harm. In fact it gave them a small sense of freedom, knowing that they won't get far!
"Ignore what other people are saying until theirs walk off!" they concluded.
Michelle welcomed baby Zac John Venton in October 2019 and shares him with husband Adam Venton.
She marked his birth with a touching Twitter post reading: "Introducing our son, Zac John Venton. Born 11.42am on 23rd October 2019 6 pounds 6 ounces springing a surprise 4 weeks early!
"Thank you the amazing midwives, doctors,anaesthetists,nurses and staff at St Michaels. Can’t wait to get him home to meet his furry sister and brother".
Sign up to get the Mirror's biggest and best stories delivered straight to your inbox at www.mirror.co.uk/email
