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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Not to want my nephews to run around naked on holiday?......

45 replies

Gingefringe · 12/04/2011 16:00

We are shortly to go on a family holiday to Spain with the PIL and BIL and family. They have 6 year old twin DS. We go to a villa which has a pool and have been going there for past few years and generally have a lovely holiday. However, one thing niggles me....
My nephews wear those all in one swim suits when they're out by the pool, but once they're out of the pool/sun they strip off and run around naked, often for the rest of the day/evening while we're in the villa.
AIBU in expecting my SIL to put a pair of pants on them at least or should I think that young boys running around naked, eating at the dining table naked, sitting spread-eagled on the sofa watching telly naked and generally playing with their willies all day is charming? My 15 year old DD doesn't think so and my own two DS of similar ages never felt the need to do this.
I'm just hoping that this year because they're a bit older they will want to cover up of their own accord.
I don't really want to make a big deal of it in case we spoil the holiday but wonder what your thoughts are?
My SiL doesn't pull her weight on the self-catering side either but this is another subject .. ah.... family holidays Hmm

OP posts:
iskra · 12/04/2011 16:03

Clearly opinions will vary on this. I come from a family of casual nudists, so I don't think 6 year olds naked is a problem. Others will probably agree with you.

worraliberty · 12/04/2011 16:04

Bleuurrgh that'd make me feel a bit queezy seeing their meant and veg dangling about. Here's hoping they cover up this year lol.

Mind you, it's not really a risk I'd want my boys to take in the hot sunshine...and I can't really imagine them rubbing sun block down there.

minipie · 12/04/2011 16:04

6 year olds running around in the garden naked is charming and part of being on holiday.

Sitting at the dining table naked, not so much.

Playing with their willies on the sofa and at the dining table, definitely not.

I'd suggest "pants on when in the house" as a compromise.

alfabetty · 12/04/2011 16:04

I think playing in the pool and running around is fine - they are still very young children - but it is bad manners to sit and eat with nothing on. So if I were cooking dinner (as it seems you may be...!) I'd call 'right, pants on, then come and sit at the table'. And if pushed I'd say 'no bare bums while we're eating, and make sure you've washed your hands!'. My 6yr old DS would cackle like mad at that approach, but would go and put something on. Makes a joke of it and raises the boys' awareness, rather than having a big discussion with your SiL.

worraliberty · 12/04/2011 16:05

'meat' not 'meant' Blush

cantspel · 12/04/2011 16:05

I dont like seeing children running around naked in the sun as i worry that bits that are not used to being exposed will burn really easily.

As for eating meals and watching tv then out of politeness alone they should at least have a pair of shorts on.

LindyHemming · 12/04/2011 16:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

QuincyMincemeatbunnyslayer · 12/04/2011 16:05

can't see a problem with it myself, but hey ho.

why are you going away with them if this, and your SiL annoy you so much? Grin

ChristinedePizan · 12/04/2011 16:06

Happy with running around naked but fiddling with themselves at the dinner table is less appealing

GwendolineMaryLacey · 12/04/2011 16:07

Running round the garden, fine, at the table etc, not fine and they should put some clothes on, but that's just because I'm fussy about behaviour at dinner tables and would also include tops (men as well).

Not sure what would make you feel queasy... Confused

clairefromsteps · 12/04/2011 16:07

I wouldn't be worried about them running round the pool etc in the nuddie, but once you come indoors, have dinner etc it's time to put some clothes on. Frankly, you are one inaccurately-wiped-bum away from skidmarks on the sofa. And I think 6 is definitely old enough to understand that you don't play with your willy in company.

LucyGoose · 12/04/2011 16:08

"generally playing with their willies all day is charming" - this made me burst out laughing! haha - not charming at all.

Tell them pants on in the house - new rules!

UC · 12/04/2011 16:09

Personally, I wouldn't give a monkeys. No problem with nudity at all. So long as they don't pick their bums then take bread from the communal bread bowl Grin

keepingupwiththejoneses · 12/04/2011 16:09

I would think they will cover up soon enough, of their own accord. I doubt they will be in those all in ones this anyway as it can be quite hard to get hold of them age 6.
I wouldn't find it a problem while they where running around, but as the others say at the dinner table is a different matter.

worraliberty · 12/04/2011 16:09

Seeing their bits and bobs dangling about while I'm trying to eat.

I'm a mum of 3 boys and believe me, I don't want to be seeing their little soldiers looking back at me as I tuck into my dinner Grin

TheMonster · 12/04/2011 16:09

YANBU. I wouldn't want it either.

TheVisitor · 12/04/2011 16:10

We've always had the rule that there are no bits out at the dinner table, and if you want to fiddle with them, go and do it somewhere privately. Otherwise, just playing etc, they're still only little.

NestaFiesta · 12/04/2011 16:10

It's wonderful that the boys are uninhibited enough to run round naked on hols. However, I agree with all of the above- pants in the house and at the table. Willy tugging is for private, we don't need to see that thanks.

My 4 yr old DS likes to be naked but the rule here is that he doesn't sit on anything unless he has pants on as its not hygienic. If he wants to run round a beach or outside naked, fine by me.

frgr · 12/04/2011 16:11

Running around for periods outside ok i guess

Whilst at the table or watching TV in doors, not good - what about sunburn, or the risk of hot food getting dropped, etc? I wouldn't be happy about this for hygeine reasons either if they're poking around etc - i agree with the other posters who suggest to try and give them a mealtime routine - shout up 5 mins before for clothes on and hands washed.

sounds like a nightmare, and not one that 99% of parents would be friendly about once hearing a complaint - i.e. enough to sour relationships permanently. you only have to look on Mn a few posts in AIBU to see that Grin

suzikettles · 12/04/2011 16:12

I don't have a problem with running around naked but would insist on pants at the table.

cyrilsneer · 12/04/2011 16:13

Completely agree that YANBU.

I'm with Euphemia though - surely holidays are an opportunity to escape family dynamics?

BarbaraBar · 12/04/2011 16:17

Agree with most posters. Running around naked outside is fine, pants/trousers inside. Perhaps tell them a story about someone you know who dropped some hot food on their willy and it dropped off. Scare tactics usually work for my children.

Grin
Original poster
Gingefringe · 12/04/2011 16:17

Thanks for all your comments. Hadn't thought that they may also be picking their bums ..... come to think of it they do tend to sniff their fingers a lot which I always thought was strange!! eeekk

Will definitely have a quiet word with MIL to see if we can do a 'pants at the table or sitting down' rule now.

OP posts:
MadamDeathstare · 12/04/2011 16:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KeepCalmAndCurryOn · 12/04/2011 16:22

If you meet any resistance, adopt a similarly casual approach to covering up. And don't get a wax. And drop a few short hairs in the communal stew before you smilingly serve it up.

I think pants will be on in no time.