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.

[HelloKlitty]

Bimbo because a woman feeding a baby is a function...needed to keep the baby healthy....it's necassary! It's about sustenance. It's not about taking your kit off just because you want to...why not wear a pair of pants? They're there to protect as well as cover.

[MillyR]

HK, yes I understand that. I'm just wondering why some people feel that way and others don't. I would feel personally somehow unnatural/uncomfortable not to be relaxed about nudity, but I can understand that nudity seems uncomfortable to others. Both reactions are quite strong, and I just wondered if it was to do with how people are brought up.

[superjobeespecs]

the way i was raised is behind my decision. also have no problem with BF women as i was once one and i smile when i see it as its not often done/seen round my way.

[Fifis25StottieCakes]

YANBU my 3 year old and her friend stripped off in the pool today and were playing for hours in the nuddy.

[snicker]

I suppose my point was why use a parasol when you can use a hat and a t-shirt and still play?

[BimboNo5]

Get a grip Gwen, my kids are always nakey on the beach and have never had sunburn so why dont you shove something UP your ass to accompany the big stick that is firmly lodged up there

[superjobeespecs]

btw DD spends most days running about the house in just her pants and i love being mostly naked have in fact only started to cover up a bit more this yr as DD is 6 and its a bit innapropriate IMO.

[BimboNo5]

Pants are there to protect? What the hell from? Big molesting peedow monsters? I cant believe the things that go through some seemingly sane and rational adults minds really I cannot.

[HelloKlitty]

Not me....I was brought up in a very relaxed home...nobody covered up every time they went to the bathroom etc...changing at the pool was done as a family....but we always wore something on the beach.

Also....you wouldn't "Feel peronally uncomfortable not to be relaxed about nudity" Because you would feel uncomfortable about public nudity...which negates what you said.

[exoticfruits]

YANBU-don't make a change for silly people.

[dublinmom]

I agree with 'an arse is an arse'. Small children (in my house anyway) are ntorious for not wiping very well after being to the loo, and for that reason I wouldn't want naked bums running around. Not a sex/freedom issue, a hygiene issue.

[HelloKlitty]

Bimbo this is the last dumb explanation I will give you.

Pants...like ALL clothing help to protect the skin from bumps, abrasions and weather along with other outside factors.

[MillyR]

No, I didn't say I would feel uncomfortable about public nudity. I said that I understood that other people could feel uncomfortable about it.

[kickingking]

Personally I wouldn't let my children at that age, as I try to give the message that there's no need for anyone other than us to see our bottoms, willies, etc.

I don't have a problem with other people's children being naked on a beach though. I think the woman was being ridiculous.

I don't really know what my stance on this is

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

I'm baffled by this thread. I don't think it was appropriate for the person to tell off the family in the original post. But I do think that a lot more people are uncomfortable with children (as opposed to babies or toddlers) running around naked in public than are being represented here. Forget bizarre ideas about naked children being sexual or attracting predators. Whatever happened to basic ideas of decency, privacy and modesty?

[dublinmom]

Cogito I agree. There is a point when nudity in public is unacceptable -- a 30 year old naked at a public beach would be wrong, as would a 13 year old. a three year old is probably ok, but a 5 and 6 year old is, IMO, about time to put a cossie on.

[GnomeDePlume]

I think at age 5/6 bottoms arent rude or dirty but they are private.

[BimboNo5]

They are CHILDREN, why should they be made to feel their naked body is something that needs to be hidden, something shameful. If they dont WANT 'modesty' and are happy running around on the beach in the buff why should we project ideas onto them about their own bodies? Please tell me that? Its like saying people dont want to see people with loads of tattoos/piercings/string vests out on the beach.

[BimboNo5]

Can we get a little bit of perspective here please- we are talking about the beach- not kids running around the school plaground starkers or sitting in church with their 'private parts' (god I hate that term) out.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

Yes they are CHILDREN... and our society is pretty relaxed about clothing generally but public nudity is really not the norm for anyone beyond small babies. When we educate children that their bodies are private and not to be shared with or shown to anyone they don't feel comfortable with, it's to improve their safety... not to 'project ideas' of shame.

[razzlebathbone]

Those who think 5 or 6 is ok,when do you think it becomes not ok and you should tell them to cover up? Is it post puberty?

I'm still feeling sorry for poor Worra's son getting an arse in his face!

[DilysPrice]

Bimbo, we use the term "private parts" with good reason, in the run up to puberty (a few years away for a 6 year old though) it's a basic social lesson that children need to learn that certain parts of our body are not for public display, and it's a straightforward way to introduce a little bit of safeguarding against sexual abuse to very young children.

I've spent years reiterating gently that these parts of our body are private, so wouldn't want to undermine that by having them go naked on a beach - I would also worry slightly about sand in vulvas (vulvae?) and mishaps to penises, but I wouldn't bat an eyelid at another parent making the other call.

[BimboNo5]

When they feel uncomfortable, and yes all kids do get to this stage without needing to be 'told' to put their clothes on. Its society that causes people to have complexes about their body 'shouldnt wear that, fat people shouldnt be seen in this, urghh thats unsightly, you are getting too old to be naked' etc.
And how does being dressed improve childrens safety Cogito?

[exoticfruits]

It is quite simple. DCs are self regulating-they get to an age where they are not comfortable naked and they put on costumes. At a young age they are not bothered so why should anyone else?

[slartybartfast]

i also think 5 or 6 is rather too old, to be naked in public. in fact a sunburn willy and bottom is not a good look.