Influencer Ofentse Mphuti faces criticism for her “beige mom” lifestyle, with critics saying her kids are denied the joy and color of childhood. |
| Ofentse Mphuti’s neutral-toned parenting style has sparked debate, with critics questioning whether children should be raised in muted aesthetics. |
Influencer and content creator Ofentse Mphuti has found herself at the center of a heated online debate, with critics accusing her of being a “beige mom” a term used to describe parents who impose a muted, neutral lifestyle aesthetic on their children at the expense of childhood joy, creativity, and self-expression.
The backlash erupted after multiple videos of Ofentse’s parenting choices surfaced on social media, fueling conversations about influencer culture, children’s development, and whether curating an “aesthetic” online presence can cross the line into limiting a child’s freedom to simply be a kid.
The Tutu Story That Sparked Debate
Much of the criticism traces back to a video widely shared on social media. In the clip, Ofentse is seen shopping with her daughter. At one point, the little girl touches a bright tutu skirt hanging on the rack, expressing her excitement by saying how much she loved it.
Instead of encouraging that moment of joy, viewers noticed that Ofentse paid the tutu no mind. Instead, she is seen placing a plain beige shirt into the shopping trolley.
For many who watched, this moment became symbolic of the wider critique: the idea that Ofentse prioritizes a muted, adult-friendly aesthetic over her child’s natural curiosity and love for color.
“It broke my heart,” one viewer commented. “The little girl lit up at that tutu, and her mom didn’t even acknowledge it.”
The Beige Birthday Party
Adding fuel to the fire, another video resurfaced showing a birthday celebration for Ofentse’s son, who had just turned four.
Instead of the colorful balloons, bright cakes, and playful decorations typically associated with children’s birthdays, the party setup was styled in the same muted tones Ofentse is known for beige, cream, and neutral browns. The cake, the decor, even the table settings all reflected her carefully curated minimalist aesthetic.
While some defended the design as elegant, others argued it looked joyless for a child’s party.
“This wasn’t about the child, it was about her brand,” one critic wrote. “Children should be surrounded by color and fun, not be part of an Instagram mood board.”
What Does “Beige Mom” Mean?
The phrase “beige mom” has become increasingly popular online, especially on TikTok, where parenting aesthetics are often scrutinized.
It refers to parents usually mothers who are influencers or lifestyle content creators who dress their kids in neutral tones like beige, cream, white, and black, furnish nurseries with muted palettes, and even choose toys in matching shades rather than the bright, primary-colored items most children gravitate toward.
While the aesthetic photographs well for curated social media feeds, critics argue that it strips away an essential part of childhood: vibrancy, playfulness, and freedom of expression.
The Cognitive Development Argument
Beyond aesthetics, some critics have raised concerns about the potential developmental impact of restricting children’s environment to neutral tones.
Psychologists note that color plays a role in stimulating cognitive development and emotional growth in young children. Bright colors are not only appealing to kids but also help them learn about the world, differentiate objects, and engage their senses.
“Children are naturally drawn to color it excites them, sparks imagination, and fosters creativity,” one parenting expert explained. “When kids are consistently surrounded by muted tones, they may miss out on opportunities for sensory stimulation.”
While there is no evidence that neutral colors alone harm development, many argue that children should at least be given the freedom to explore a range of colors and styles rather than being restricted to a curated aesthetic.
Critics Say Ofentse is Living Through Her Kids
The controversy has also sparked a broader debate about influencer parenting. Many online users believe Ofentse is projecting her own tastes onto her children, effectively making them extensions of her personal brand rather than individuals with their own identities.
“The kids aren’t props. They’re people,” one commenter said. “She’s living her life through them instead of letting them live theirs.”
Another added: “There’s nothing wrong with loving beige, but don’t rob your children of the joy of color. Childhood should be messy, fun, and free.”
Supporters Defend Her Parenting
Not everyone agrees with the backlash. Some of Ofentse’s followers argue that all parents make choices for their kids, including what they wear and how their birthdays are celebrated.
“People are overreacting,” one supporter said. “It’s not like the children are being harmed. Beige is just her preference every mom has one.”
Others point out that influencers, in particular, are under constant scrutiny, and small choices are often magnified into larger controversies.
A Reflection of Influencer Culture
The Ofentse Mphuti debate ultimately raises larger questions about influencer parenting in the digital age. As more mothers and fathers share their lifestyles online, their children often become part of the “content.” This visibility, while profitable for some families, also exposes children to public critique and raises concerns about how much autonomy they are allowed in shaping their own identities.
For critics, the beige aesthetic is less about color and more about control: the idea that a parent might prioritize social media branding over a child’s natural impulses.
Conclusion
Ofentse Mphuti’s parenting choices have sparked a wave of discussion about aesthetics, childhood, and the role of influencers in shaping family life. The viral tutu moment and the beige birthday party have become flashpoints in a larger cultural conversation: Should kids be allowed to freely express themselves, or is it acceptable for parents to impose their own tastes, even for the sake of aesthetics?
As the debate continues, one thing is clear the public is increasingly interested in how influencer parents navigate the balance between curating content and raising children as individuals.
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