to let our kids not wear anything on the beach??

[loopymummy77]

We're lucky enough to live quite near the coast, so day-trips to the beach are quite common for us.

Today we were on one of our usual beaches, which was a bit busier than usual I think due to the warm weather. DS1 (age 6), DS2 (age 5) and DD (nearly 3) were all happily playing in their birthday suits - we usually let them decide whether or not they want swimming trunks/cossies on but quite often they opt for the nudist approach (they're the same with the paddling pool in the garden) and we've never made a big deal of it.

Anyways, after we'd been there a while, this woman comes up to DH and me and tells us we should make our kids put some clothes on. When I asked why, she said that it was because there might be paedophiles who could see them and that it was irresponsible of us to let them run around with nothing on. Her remarks made us feel so uncomfortable, we got the kids dressed and went somewhere else for the rest of the day.

Looking back, I'm now quite angry about the whole thing. I wouldn't dream of telling a parent what their kids should/shouldn't wear and how dare she call us irresponsible!! What annoys me even more is the fact we felt we had to leave as a result, as if it was us at fault! .

Am I being unreasonable? We've always kept a close eye out for our kids as I think any responsible parent should do.

[applechutney]

exactly what I was about to post Bimbo!

We're talking about little children here - how on earth are their naked bodies offensive?

[Sirzy]

The woman who commented was the one unreasonable.

It is sad we live in a world where so many people expect there to be a peado on every corner. while on holiday recently we saw some children playing naked on the beach and commented how nice it was to see children like that having so much fun. He immediatly worried someone would hear his comments and take them the wrong way :(

[MillyR]

Surely the main concern with paedophiles photographing children is that they might use the photos as a way of actually getting close to and harming your children. In which case, the concern is not photos of your child naked, but photos of your child in something which identifies where they live, where they go, or who they are.

I would be more concerned about somebody potentially photographing my child in their school uniform with the school name on, an item of clothing with the name of a club on, or an item with their name on (although my kids don't have clothes with their name on).

I think it is potentially damaging to restrict your children's freedom (especially in a situation like this where the OP is present) because of the minute risk of danger from other adults who might be passing by.

[RevoltingPeasant]

Seriously, seeing a naked 6yo is about as visually offensive as seeing a fat lady like me in a skimpy bikini, or a hairy old buffer in speedos, or a bloke with a can of Carling hollering at his kids....

It's part of the summer fun! Suck it up.

[BimboNo5]

My DD is 6- she looks glorious naked, if it offends anybody thats your own problem.

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

YANBU but presumably it wasn't that hot where you were or your kids have good sun tolerance. I wouldn't let dd go nekkid because of sunburn. Otherwise not a problem. Don't know why you moved though.

[AuntiePickleBottom]

When ever I see children naked on the beach, I worry more about the uv rays than Pedophiles

[BimboNo5]

Ever heard of factor 50? Or shade?

[worraliberty]

Apart from Bimbo and applechutney has anyone actually used the word offensive?

Apologies if they have but I've scrolled back and can't see anyone saying they're offended by naked kids on the beach?

[snicker]

"Think someone is over egging the pudding a little Snicker..."

Me? How so?

[BimboNo5]

But having said that, it makes me a little queezy when kids...especially as old as 5 and 6 are digging naked in the sand and I'm sat behind them trying to eat or look elsewhere.

We were having a beach picnic at easter and there were two naked kids of about that age constantly bent over in front of us with their bums and bits on display.



This comment would indicate you took offence, ne pas?

[snicker]

I didn't say it though, so why single me out?

[BeeBread]

Before having DC, I was uncomfortable with nudity on beaches - whether small children or older.

Now I have a 19 month old and have seen DS's arse and bits and bobs eighty gazillion times, I wouldn't bat an eyelid.

But it may be an issue to those who aren't used to changing nappies nudity.

[girrafey]

Bimbo, i don't think people said they took offence, but can sometimes feel uncomfortable.

[worraliberty]

No Bimbo for the 3rd time....

It made me feel sick...not offended but sick

Ne Pas?

[snicker]

There aren't any shady beaches where we live. I'm not sure that I have ever seen a shady beach.

[worraliberty]

Oh and for the record, my 8yr old asked him to move his bum out of his face while he was trying to eat his sandwich. While bending over with his spade...he was tracing a line in the sand and walked backwards into him.

So Ne Pas?

[thisisyesterday]

naked children make you feel sick??
really? you couldn't just look away then?

[BeeBread]

I still remember the shock I felt when holidaying with a friend whose 6 year old DS was naked on the beach, when he ran up to her (and therefore me) bent over, parted his bumcheeks and said "mummy my anus is sore"....

Soooo not ready

[thisisyesterday]

snicker, you could use a parasol or beach shelter of some kind

[HelloKlitty]

What worra said. Nothing wrong with nudie...but not where people are eating. Biimbo and arse is an arse imo. Adult or otherwise I dont need to ee it when I eat thanks.

[girrafey]

sorry beebread, but that made me laugh! what on earth did his mum say to that!