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.

[Insanity]

What about topless girls? My dd is 8 and will not put on a top at the beach or out playing water fights in the street, she is happy running around in her swim shorts. I like her innocence, she knows she has nothing to hide....but when she does I am hoping she isn't as liberal :o

[duchesse]

ime children develop prudery about their own nakedness in public around the age of 8- possibly a tad later at home. It was the same age for all three of my older children and despite no prompting whatever from us to cover up before that.

[Silverstar2]

I think that at home it is fine, but on a beach/in the sun just from the sun burn point of view they should be covered.

i too would not like to see a naked child whilst eating, right up close. I have small kids, they touch themselves, hands in mouth - it's what they do. Trunks/swimsuit etc helps to stop this. And as for all this 'they will stop when they are ready' I don't agree - my son would happily watch tele or play computer games all day if I let him. I don't. It is my job as a parent to educate him.

I can't decide when the woman on the beach was BU or not............. I just can't see why putting a cossie on a small child is such a hassle.

[sausagesandmarmelade]

I think it boils down to having consideration for other people....

Do what you like in your own garden, house, whatever...but have some consideration for others when you are in close proximity.

But anyways....I think kids should be covered up in the sun...and have sun cream on...and a hat too (if poss).
Bought a birthday present for my nephew the other day at Gap. They have some really cool sun protection t shirts there...so got him one (and a pair of swim shorts). Perfect for his holiday...and there's a sale on there now too.

[exoticfruits]

I think it boils down to having consideration for other people

I am all for consideration, but I can't see why anyone is bothered-I see far worse sights and behaviour on the beach than a naked 6yr old. I would prefer a quiet, naked one to a shrieking, sand throwing one in swimming trunks!

[PrettyMeerkat]

I think it's lovely that they like running around naked. My 5yo hasn't become shy about her body yet and it's nice to see her so free!

If the paedo (that the woman was convinced was hiding behind a sandcastle) had seen your daughter what does she think would have happened? If your children were covered up and the paedo had seen them in their swimmers what would have happened that would have been different?

[MonteVuse]

@worraliberty

"I said it make me feel sick seeing them bent over right in front of me while I was trying to eat my picnic."

Oh boohoo. Just because you see some little kid bending over playing in the sand doesn't mean you have to stare at their bum and vulva.

If you were planning on eating a picnic without seeing either nude adults or children, try going to a park next time!

[RhiWrites]

You've got to wonder what Monte was searching for here...

Ahem.
In your head, in your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie
What's in your head, in your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie

[Oldgranny]

From hindsight of age, am not so sure.

[WorraLiberty]

That's made me shudder MonteVuse

You've turned up on an SIX YEAR OLD thread about naked children and singled out just my post, when so many others agreed?

Just what the hell were you searching for in your nickname with absolutely no history?

[Mulberry72]

[grannytomine]

If it is warm enough to be running round naked then I would be worried about their skin. Even if they don't actually burn I think they need protection. I live near a beach, less than a mile away, and I often see kids who really shouldn't have been naked on the beach for hours and the burns must be painful.

[requestingsunshine]

In the back garden totally fine, but its a bit different on a busy public beach. It takes a few seconds to stick some swimshorts or bikini bottoms on them and won't detract from their fun.

I have no issues with naked children who run around for a few minutes whilst getting changed but I don't see the need to let them just be naked all day long in public at that age.

Its just common decency and consideration for others around you. Not everyone wants to be catching glimpses of your childrens genitals all day long. Mine wear swimwear on the beach and they have never once told me they've had an awful day because they wore their swimmies.

[requestingsunshine]

Ooooooo its a zombie. I really need to start checking dates on these things

[WindwardCircle]

Naked zombie thread