Kourtney Kardashian Praised for Calm Response After Baby Rocky Spotted on Boat Without Life Vest

Kourtney Kardashian has received praise from fans after handling criticism regarding her young son’s safety during a recent family trip with composure and openness.

The 46-year-old reality star and businesswoman, who is the mother of four children, shared a series of snapshots from her family vacation to Idaho on Friday, August 8. The collection of images featured scenic views, family moments, and a cozy boat ride. One particular photo showed Kourtney holding her 21-month-old son, Rocky, in her arms as they enjoyed their time on the water.

Kourtney shares Rocky with her husband, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, whom she married in May 2022. She is also the mother of three older children from her previous relationship with Scott Disick: Mason, 15, Penelope, 13, and Reign, 10. For much of Rocky’s life, Kourtney and Travis kept his image off social media, only recently allowing glimpses of him — and even then, his face is always carefully shielded from public view.

In the Idaho boat photo, Rocky could be seen wrapped in a blanket and leaning into his mother’s embrace. The caption simply read, “Food for the soul.” While many followers focused on the sweet family moment, some quickly pointed out what they perceived as a safety concern.

“Great photo, except for the fact that the child has no life jacket on,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “You can make those kinds of decisions for yourself. But don’t make a decision like that for your child. PLEASE.” A third weighed in with, “C’mon Kourt. You both should be wearing life jackets. Everyone on that boat should be.”

Rocky could be seen cuddling his mother

Instagram/@kourtneykardash

The discussion soon spread beyond Instagram to Reddit, where more critics voiced their concerns. One user described the moment as “such dangerous neglect,” while another observed, “Kids on boats should always be wearing appropriate life vests, and it looks like it’s sitting in the seat right next to them.”

Rather than ignore the comments or respond defensively, Kourtney took the feedback seriously and addressed it head-on. On her Instagram Stories, she posted an update: “Update: bought a life vest that fits! Good looking out. Honestly didn’t think about some of the dangers.”

Understanding the Psychology of Criticism and Response

Handling criticism, especially public criticism, requires emotional intelligence and resilience. Kourtney Kardashian's calm response aligns with the principles of Emotional Intelligence (EI) as noted by Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, who states, "Emotional intelligence allows us to understand our own feelings and those of others, which is crucial when facing criticism." Kardashian's composed demeanor showcases a high level of emotional understanding and regulation, reflecting the insights of experts in the field.

Kourtney was praised for her response

Instagram/@kourtneykardash She followed with another note: “Thank you for making me aware, and hopefully this helps make other mommies aware of the dangers of certain types of boating without a life vest.”Her quick acknowledgment and willingness to act earned her respect from fans across social media. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “The calmest and most collected response ever; she understood and will fix it.” Another said, “We love a person who learns from their mistakes.” A third commented, “Everyone makes mistakes; glad she’s open to feedback :)).”Many praised the way she took the opportunity to turn a personal oversight into a public reminder about boating safety for children. “This is actually the best way to respond to this,” one fan noted. “Took the criticism well and will fix her mistake.”

While celebrities often face intense scrutiny over their parenting choices, this exchange stood out for its respectful tone on both sides. Fans expressed appreciation that Kourtney was willing to listen, learn, and share her updated approach to keeping Rocky safe — a reminder that even public figures can use constructive criticism as a way to improve and help others.

Being open to criticism and responding positively also demonstrates a growth mindset, a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. In her research, Dweck explains that people with a growth mindset believe abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work (Dweck, 2006). In this case, Kardashian's acknowledgment of the situation and her composure indicate a growth mindset, suggesting she views the criticism as an opportunity to learn and improve.

The Role of Parenting Styles in Public Perception

Public perception of parenting styles has been an area of interest in social psychology. Research suggests that parents who handle criticism calmly and openly are often perceived as being more competent and nurturing (Lamborn et al., 1991). Kardashian's calm and open response to the criticism about her son's safety may reinforce her fans' positive perception of her as a parent.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

While it's easy to pass judgment on public figures, understanding the psychological principles behind their responses can provide a more balanced perspective. According to Dr. Shefali Tsabary, a renowned parenting expert, "Emotional intelligence is crucial for navigating public scrutiny, and it’s essential for parents to model calmness and resilience." Kourtney Kardashian has exemplified this approach in her response to public criticism, reminding us that celebrities, despite their public personas, are human beings facing complex situations just like the rest of us (Dr. Shefali Tsabary).