Meaning behind Nicola Peltz’s ballerina-themed 31st birthday party: Psychotherapist reveals why Brooklyn’s wife is clinging to a ‘childlike identity’ amid feud with her husband’s family

Nicola Peltz leaned into a ‘childlike identity’ as she celebrated her birthday with a ballerina cake, a psychotherapist has revealed.

The American socialite, who is turning 31 on Friday, took to Instagram to share a photo of some early festivities, tucking into a nostalgic confetti-decorated cake with candles.

Wearing a dusky pink, glittery top and jeans, the model, was pictured clinging on to her father Nelson, 83, in the photos amid a rift with her husband Brooklyn’s family.

‘Best birthday yet,’ she wrote. ‘I’m so grateful.’

‘Her presentation also leans into a softer, almost childlike identity – the nostalgic cake, the affectionate pose, the tone of the caption,’ Marygrace Anderson, who is also a certified hypnotherapist and founder of MG Hypnosis, told the Daily Mail.

‘That kind of imagery can reflect a return to an earlier version of the self, one tied to comfort and familiarity.’

In other photos, there was a second pastel pink cake, adorned with white icing and decorated with a feathery ballerina topper.

Balloons, cupcakes and Oreos were also available for the dozens of guests in attendance – among them, of course, Brooklyn, 26, who shared a smooch with his wife.

Nicola Peltz leaned into a ‘childlike identity’ as she celebrated her birthday with a ballerina cake while ‘clinging to her father’, a psychotherapist has revealed

In other images, there was a second pastel pink cake, adorned with white icing and decorated with a ballerina topper

‘Presenting in a more childlike way can be a subtle form of self-soothing – or, in hypnosis and psychology, often seen as a common coping mechanism. When there’s a need for reassurance or self-care, it can be normal for adults to unconsciously adopt behaviours that appear younger,’ Marygrace continued.

‘This may be seen in how Nicola positions herself physically – for example – looking up to her father, being close to him, crouching on the floor beside him, which makes her appear smaller, and smiling in a softer, more playful way.

‘These cues show her appearing in a younger role – looking up to and admiring a protective figure in her life, and showing a sense of happiness and contentment with all her loved ones around her as seen in the photos and videos she shared on social media.’

However, the expert explained that this felt less about curating a set scene and more about ‘grounding herself with her loved ones around her’, especially in the turbulence of the Beckhams’ family feud, with reports claiming Brooklyn had declared his relationship with his parents as being ‘over’.

‘From a psychological perspective, birthdays often bring out a need for familiarity, and comforting symbols can play a big part in this, which may be why she opted for a ballerina cake,’ Marygrace revealed.

‘Moments like this tend to bring identity and belonging into focus, especially when there’s tension elsewhere in someone’s life.

‘People often lean into the relationships that feel safest. Clinging to her father and describing it as “the best birthday ever” can be her way of reinforcing that sense of emotional security.

‘Whether conscious or subconscious, strong physical closeness and emphatic language often underline where someone feels most supported.

Wearing a dusky pink glittery top and jeans, the model, along with her husband Brooklyn Beckham, has been enduring a ‘rift’ with her in-laws, David and Victoria. (Nicola pictured with her parents)

Balloons, cupcakes and Oreos were also available for the dozens of guests in attendance – among them, of course, Brooklyn, 26, who shared a smooch with his wife

The socialite, who is turning 31 on Friday, took to Instagram to share a photo of some early festivities. Seen here tucking into a nostalgic confetti-decorated cake with festive candles

Educational Psychologist Dr Ahmar Ferguson agreed that the celebration showed an attempt to find calmer waters in more chaotic relationship dynamics

‘All in all, the post can be seen as an expression of where she feels emotionally protected at this moment in time, rather than a message directed at anyone in particular – and Nicola’s desire for anchoring.’ 

Meanwhile, Educational Psychologist Dr Ahmar Ferguson agreed that the celebration showed an attempt to find calmer waters in more chaotic relationship dynamics.

‘Nicola Beckham leaning into her father during a birthday celebration can be read symbolically as a moment of anchoring, a quiet return to a relationship that feels safe, steady, and unconditional,’ he explained.

‘When other relationships are strained or uncertain, it is entirely human to seek closeness with those who have known us longest and held us through earlier chapters of life.

‘From a psychological perspective, this kind of gesture speaks to attachment and regulation.

‘In times of relational turbulence, people often gravitate towards figures who represent security, acceptance, and emotional grounding. Leaning into a parent can symbolise seeking reassurance, strength, and a reminder of who we are beyond current conflicts.’

He shared that this happens when ‘one area of our relational world feels fragile’ – so ‘we often find refuge in those connections that remain more stable’.

‘In this sense, the image reflects something deeply universal,’ Dr Ferguson added. ‘The instinct to reconnect with our emotional anchors when the seas around us feel rough.’

It comes as Nicola also shared a pointed New Year message on social media as the Beckham family feud continued to rumble on. 

In a heartfelt Instagram Story, she posted images of the people closest to her and wrote: ‘So grateful to start the New Year with these beautiful humans.’ 

Brooklyn, 26, was prominently tagged in the post as the couple once again appeared to distance themselves from his parents.

Alongside the message, the billionaire heiress shared a loved-up photo of herself and Brooklyn, believed to have been taken in Florida. 

In the snap, the pair were wrapped in each other’s arms outdoors at sunset, with palm trees and a pastel orange sky behind them. 

Brooklyn wore a backwards beige cap and a black T-shirt, while Nicola smiled brightly in a cream knit jumper and jeans, holding an iced coffee as her husband hugged her close.

The loved up couple appeared happy and relaxed and the image radiated unity, amid the ongoing family tension.

Nicola also tagged her brother Bradley, her brother Zach Peltz’s girlfriend Aislinn Carne, and several close friends, including Kenya Jones, Alison Albright and Lovette Candice, making it clear where her loyalties lay as the New Year began.

In another image she also posted a picture of herself with Brooklyn and her brother Bradley in the same spot, signalling that her focus remains firmly on her husband and chosen inner circle.  

The post came as reports emerged that Brooklyn had told friends his relationship with his parents was ‘over,’ following months of strain that culminated in David, 50, and Victoria, 51, being blocked on Instagram. 

While the Beckhams spent New Year’s Eve at their Cotswolds home, Brooklyn and Nicola rang in 2026 partying in South Florida, where they watched rapper 50 Cent perform at Miami hotspot E11EVEN.

Despite David sharing nostalgic family photos online – including a throwback image of Brooklyn as a teenager – insiders claimed the gesture failed to heal the rift. 

The budding chef and his wife appeared carefree as they danced, sang and shared intimate moments from their night out, showing no outward signs of family heartache.

A source told The Mirror: ‘While things between [Brooklyn] and his parents are over, he is still very fond of his grandparents. There is a lot of love for them, and that has never faltered.’

Over the festive period David’s mum Sandra and Victoria’s mother Jackie Adams both reached out to Brooklyn after he had been absent from every key family event over the course of the year – among them his father’s milestone 50th birthday celebration and long awaited recent investiture.  

A source went on: ‘David and Victoria will never give up trying to secure a reconciliation between them and their son. 

‘Nothing will change that, and they live in hope. He will always be their son, and they are not going to stop putting on record their feelings.’

In his New Year post the former footballer captioned the shot of him and his eldest son: ‘I love you all so much.’

Further shots included David with sons Romeo, Cruz and daughter Harper, while a final image featured wife Victoria and all four of her children, with the caption: ‘You are my life.’

The post was promptly re-shared by wife Victoria who accompanied the image of David and Brooklyn with an affectionate love heart.