Derick and Jill Dillard draw unexpected criticism after posting Christmas photo of smiling son

Israel David Dillard is all smiles as he is surrounded by the gifts he received last Christmas. (Instagram/Derick Dillard)

When Derick Dillard posted a photo of his son Israel David grinning from ear to ear while surrounded by his Christmas presents, he thought that it would simply be a cute picture that would make fans go, "Aww!"

However, it only generated a lot of criticisms for him and his wife Jill Duggar concerning their parenting skills.

On his Instagram account (@derickdillard), Derick shared a photo of his son with the caption: "Israel loved his 1st Christmas!"

People were infuriated when they saw that Israel David was exposed to an electrical socket on the wall. "Look out for that electrical outlet, neglectful parents," someone commented.

Another added: "Accidental injuries are one of the top causes of death of children in this country. Baby proofing your home is the smartest thing you can do to protect your child. These safeguards were invented for a reason. Why take a chance?"

Someone even questioned if anyone is looking into Derick and Jill's parenting style. "The poor sweet little baby... That is very immature and inexperienced parenting," someone else wrote.

Of course, there were also tons of fans who were quick to defend Derick and Jill. "Wow!!! Just because the outlet is not covered don't make them bad parents," one wrote.

"People get a grip!" wrote another fan. "Growing up, we never had covers on outlets, we were told don't touch and we didn't. No parent is perfect; the baby is happy and healthy and loved, leave these poor people alone."

A fellow parent even admitted that she did not baby proof everything in her own home and don't see the point why Derick and Jill are being lambasted for it. "I never had covers on my outlets and my kids did okay. Kids are kids and will fall," she said. "Hey I'm 63 and I still trip. Just a part of life."

related articles
Jill and Derick Dillard fly back to El Salvador to continue ministry after US family visit
Jill and Derick Dillard fly back to El Salvador to continue ministry after US family visit

Jill and Derick Dillard fly back to El Salvador to continue ministry after US family visit

Jill Dillard writes letter to sister Jessa Seewald: \'I pray our boys will love Jesus with their heart, soul, mind and strength\'
Jill Dillard writes letter to sister Jessa Seewald: 'I pray our boys will love Jesus with their heart, soul, mind and strength'

Jill Dillard writes letter to sister Jessa Seewald: 'I pray our boys will love Jesus with their heart, soul, mind and strength'

Ben and Jessa Seewald\'s son Spurgeon Elliot wears hand-me-downs from cousin Israel David Dillard
Ben and Jessa Seewald's son Spurgeon Elliot wears hand-me-downs from cousin Israel David Dillard

Ben and Jessa Seewald's son Spurgeon Elliot wears hand-me-downs from cousin Israel David Dillard

Derick Dillard shares how he and Jill celebrated their first Christmas in Central America
Derick Dillard shares how he and Jill celebrated their first Christmas in Central America

Derick Dillard shares how he and Jill celebrated their first Christmas in Central America

Ben Seewald wants \'15 sons\' thru natural birth and adoption; Derick and Jill Dillard also eye adoption
Ben Seewald wants '15 sons' thru natural birth and adoption; Derick and Jill Dillard also eye adoption

Ben Seewald wants '15 sons' thru natural birth and adoption; Derick and Jill Dillard also eye adoption

News
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.

The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 

Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time. 

Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country
Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country

The cardinal has spoken out against the excesses of the Maduro government.