“Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Erica Mena recently caused a commotion on social media for all the wrong reasons, which included how she raises her children.
Mena shares two children with her now ex-husband Safaree Samuels, a daughter Safire Majesty Samuels and a son named Legend Brian Samuels. The 34-year-old also has a teenage son King Javien Conde from a previous relationship.
The backlash comes after Mena uploaded a video on her Instagram Story on Oct.6 of her 2-year-old daughter Safire drinking milk from a bottle. Immediately following the clip, Mena also told off individuals who would feel the need to criticize her parenting skills.
She wrote, “Yup, my baby girl still wants a bottle before nap or bedtime. Every child is different, so mind yo damn Business.” As both posts began making its rounds on social media blogs, many pointed out that Mena’s decision to continue to feed her child milk through a bottle may mess up Safire’s teeth.
“They advise you to stop bottles, pacifiers and thumb sucking for a reason. It will mess up your child’s teeth…”
“Every child is different that’s right but you are helping slow down her development it’s not always about they want it’s what they need.”
“The issue isn’t that she wants milk it’s the bottle!! Literally not good for teeth she could just drink out of a cup but yes I’ll mind my business.”
“Every child is different but it’s the parents that feed into babying a actual KID..Throw them bottles away!”
“The moment Safaree isn’t embarrassing you, here you go embarrassing yourself …
They recommend not doing that to help avoid teeth alignment issues but carry on.”
Alongside the previous comments, others mentioned that they couldn’t understand why Mena was so defensive over the video when she was the one that showed it to the general public.
One wrote, “How you volunteer information then say mind your business?!” Another said, “If you don’t want us in your business KEEP IT OFF THE MF INTERNET.” A third social media user stated, “I feel like parents should leave some things in their households. Everything is not for public consumption. Do what works for your family!”
The following day, on Oct. 7, Mena caught wind of the negative remarks and decided to clap back at the detractors.
While sharing a screenshot of a few comments she had been receiving, Mena wrote, “Y’all really be on here writing chapters at that- trying to tell people what to do with their kids like you are some real experts. Social media really makes y’all folks feel way too entitled.”
