So I haven't posted in here before (usually post in the pregnancy threads) but I figured this would be the correct place.
My dh is pretty liberal and born of hippy parents. I am too. We live in the States but I'm British. Just some background info to help you along.
The other day I was getting out of the bath, and dh was helping (39 weeks, things are getting pretty difficult). He held up my towel for me and put it round me and I said "aw, just like my Dad used to do it." He was horrified. He said he thought it was really weird that my Dad helped me bathe and saw me naked.
Now my Dad actually brought us up so there wasn't really any other option other than letting a 5 year old get out of the bath herself but even so, I don't think this is 'weird' is it?! I can't remember when I stopped being naked in front of my Dad, probably around 8 or 9 or so and I certainly remember telling him in no uncertain terms that he was no longer allowed to walk to the bathroom at night undressed at about 9 or 10 lol.
So we carry on talking about this and it turns out dh can never remember seeing his parents naked. If they would go camping they'd get undressed in their sleeping bags and swimming would use private stalls.
He was also horrified at the fact that I'll go in with my Mum in the bathroom and pee while she's showering (it drives her nuts too but only because I'm ruining her zen) or sit on the loo and chat to her.
He says him and his sister were told to cover up from as far back as he can remember and once when he was a tiny lad (probably about 3) he got torn apart for peeing in the bushes whilst his Grandma was around.
Now I've been a maternity nurse/nanny for over 18 years and whilst things have obviously changed over the years, for good reason I guess considering the amount of weirdos out there, but I never used to think twice about showering with little girls and boys I worked with let alone my own children I'm about to have. I've spoken recently to old bosses about it it and they've said things like "well obviously we trusted you not to do anything to harm our children/babies or you wouldn't be employed, we'd rather they saw you in a swimming pool shower than not shower them or let them shower on their own!".
So what's everyone else's opinions on nakedness and children? Am I just naively WAY too liberal? Maybe it's an American thing? I've told dh if I hear anyone telling my son to 'cover up' or that it's wrong to be naked at an early age I will flip the fuck out. I think it can cause body issues and a shyness that will come all to quickly anyway.
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.
Parenting
Nakedness and children
45 replies
BummyMummy77 · 30/10/2013 13:23
OP posts:
Don’t want to miss threads like this?
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.