David and Harper Beckham’s one-on-one ski trip sends ‘powerful message’ about family dynamics, according to psychologist

The father-daughter duo took their relationship to new heights in the French Alps, but why was this trip so important for Harper’s development, and what does it tell us about the footballer’s approach to parenting?

avid Beckham and his only daughter, Harper Seven, skiied up a storm during a recent getaway to Courchevel in France, despite the family’s fractured relationship with their eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, remaining unresolved.

The 50-year-old former footballer whisked the teenager, 14, away to the French Alps for the UK schools’ half term and left Victoria, 51, at home in a bid to spend quality time with his youngest child.

Posting about their time in the luxurious Les 3 Vallées, the star shared snaps of the adorable duo to his Instagram page with a caption that read: “Creating memories with the kids, either together or one on one, has always been important to me, so this week me and Harper created a few more memories. Love you pretty lady @harperbeckham.”

Amid Posh and Becks’ drama with their eldest child, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, HELLO! asked the experts to weigh in on the importance of targeted one-on-one time for parents, especially those raising children in the public eye, and how it could affect the overall family dynamic at home.

‘A moment just for you’
In any family that contains more than one child, there will inevitably be a battle for parents’ attention. Whether it be subconscious or more direct, each child wants to feel seen by their parent; however, sometimes, especially in a busy household, it can be impossible to spread attention evenly.

Drawing from her 15 years of experience in the field, HCPC-registered Senior Education and Child Psychologist, Dr Sasha Hall, told HELLO! why one-on-one time is invaluable to a child’s development.

She said: “In busy family life, children often experience their parents’ attention as shared between siblings, work, household tasks and the general noise of daily life. One-to-one time cuts through that. It tells a child ‘This moment is just for you’.

“Thinking about attachment and the psychology of the parent-child bond, those moments of undivided attention are incredibly powerful. When a parent slows down and focuses entirely on one child, whether that is a walk, a chat in the car or a day out together, the child experiences themselves as seen and prioritised. That sense of being singled out in a positive way helps strengthen the emotional bond between parent and child.”

The expert continued: “Sometimes families say that one-to-one time can feel a little awkward at first, particularly if it is not something they have done regularly. In many cases, that awkwardness simply reflects that it is unfamiliar. The more it becomes part of family life, the more natural and comfortable it feels. Over time, it becomes an easy way to stay emotionally connected.”

‘Ordinary, private moments’ for families in the public eye
When it comes to family units like the Beckhams, it is nearly impossible for David and Victoria’s four children to experience a “normal” life. Between sitting front row at fashion shows across the world, to watching their dad score goals for England in some of the biggest stadiums, nothing about their upbringing was the same as that of the average British child.

Dr Sasha highlighted why a trip like Harper and David’s was so important for their relationship against the context of his stardom and her exposure to fame at such a young age.

“For families living in the public eye, protecting ordinary, private moments can be even more important. Children in those families are growing up with public attention around them, so carving out intentional time that is simply about the parent-child relationship can help anchor them in a sense of normal family life,” the psychologist revealed.

She added: “It also shows that despite busy careers or public commitments, the parent-child bond remains a priority. Moments like a parent taking a child away for a day together can send a powerful message that their relationship matters.

“When those moments are occasionally shared publicly, they can resonate with other parents because they highlight something universal. Strong relationships with children are built through time, presence and attention rather than grand gestures. That is why moments like David spending time with his daughter Harper tend to capture people’s attention. Many parents recognise how meaningful those simple moments can be.”

David’s the ultimate Girl Dad
Alongside the added elements of fame and being a family of six, Harper is also the only girl in the Beckham clan, and she is the youngest of four children. Her position in the family plays a role in why alone time with each of her parents, in particular her father, is so important.

Dr Sasha highlighted: “The relationship a girl has with her father can become one of the early templates for how she experiences relationships with men more broadly.

“When a father spends time with his daughter that is warm, attentive and consistent, it shows her what a safe and respectful relationship can feel like. She learns that attention from a male figure can be kind, dependable and freely given.”

She also said: “Those early experiences help shape the expectations children carry into friendships and romantic relationships later in life. When that early bond feels secure, it can support a stronger sense of self-worth and clearer expectations about how she deserves to be treated.

“At the same time, the most important factor is that children experience reliable and caring relationships with the adults around them. Those everyday interactions are what gradually build their understanding of trust, safety and connection.”

The expert concluded: “In families where there is one girl among several boys, there can also be practical dynamics at play. Sometimes, family activities naturally follow the interests of the majority, simply because it is easier to keep everyone together.

“That might mean outings or hobbies that suit the boys more often than the girl. Individual time gives parents a chance to step out of that group dynamic and focus on what that particular child enjoys. It allows her to experience that her interests matter too and that she does not always have to fit around everyone else.”