PA
Gwyneth Paltrow has been slated by a leading Hollywood child psychotherapist for giving into her daughter Apple's demands for pierced ears.
Gwyneth says she let Apple have her ears pierced at five as she had been asking for earrings for THREE years.
Apparently, this was because all her Spanish friends were allowed to wear studs in their ears and she wasn't...
Gwyn and husband Chris Martin initially said no, but eventually gave in because - wait for it - their nanny is Spanish, Apple and brother Moses can speak Spanish, and all Spanish children get their ears pieced...
"Our nanny is Spanish, so the kids both speak Spanish and are very much connected to the Spanish culture," said Ms Paltrow, "And in Spain little girls get their ears pierced when they're born. Apple would see little Spanish girls and says, 'Why can't I have my ears pierced too.' When she was five we let her have her ears pierced."
Psychotherapist Dr. Fran Walfish slammed Paltrow for giving in to her daughter's demands, saying she is making a rod for her own back with her daughter, who will then demand more as she gets older. The renowned therapist said: "Giving in to your toddler or youngster's demands may be reinforcing the very thing you want to get rid of. You are inadvertently teaching your child to fight you longer and harder next time. Parents must create a structure with clear boundaries that reflect their personal family values."
What age do you think is right for children to have their ears pierced?