to ask that my dad doesn't do this

[two2blackcats]

My dad has my DDs 2 days a week and when the weather has been nice which admittedly hasn't been often he takes them to a sort of sprinkler fountain in the city centre, and has them run around naked.

I really, really don't like it and have asked him not to but he just gets huffy and thinks I am being ridiculous.

AIBU? I probably am but I can't help how I feel about it.

I would have a real problem with this, I don't think it is appropriate for children to be running around naked in public anyway, at what point do you say that "you are too old to do this anymore"? But apart from that argument I would be woried about sunburn - does he cover them in sunlotion? and also the fact that the water in those fountains is actually full of bacteria and also a dumping ground for broken glass and needles (if it's anything like the ones in Bristol). I have seen a lot of children badly cut by broken glass hidden by the water. YANBU

In a public area where anyone could be taking a photo of them, bejeezus. There's no reason why he can't leave their knickers on, is there?

OP, I wouldn't have him dictating what happens with your children. You hated aspects of your own upbringing and he's doing the same to your children - without your consent.

I would put them in nursery instead.

I used to sit round the fountains in Somerset House and saw people I had suspicions were taking photos or filming the little children there. It's a risk I wouldn't want to take.
Even this morning there was a gorgeous blonde lady sunbathing in the park and a guy on a bench nearby snapping her with his mobile.

I think the point at which children need to be clothed in public is when they start to get shy and decide for themselves.

I really don't understand why the hell it's 'inappropriate' for little kids to be naked in public.

I'd gaffe a problem with this in a town centre. Beach, fine. Play area with water, also fine. Central location in town? No.

You have to stand up for yourself op, it's not just about this issue, it's about him respecting your wishes if he wants to look after your children.

give him little bathing suits for them or bikini bottoms just put them in their bags just incase, tell him you dont like it,

No way, YADNBU.

I would find that absolutely intolerable and completely unnecessary.

Could always get him a sprinkler so that they can run around in the garden at his? Ultimately though, he should respect your wishes.
Have your tried a different tack? Like exposure to the sun and sun cream needing to be applied etc?

why would it be ok to be neked at the beach and not in town--there are as likely to be perverts at the beach. Truth is it isnt usually strangers that you have to worry about

is that why people think its inappropraite, because of paedophiles?

bejeezus, yes, basically, I think it's about peeeeeeedo hysteria.

I wouldn't be too bothered about this if it were at a beach or kiddies play park but I would prefer them to wear a pair of pants if the fountain is in the city. I know that isn't completely logical but that's what I think.
It is lovely that your DF likes to look after the kids buti would have a word with him about it. Packing extra pants seems like a good plan.

bejeezus: Personally, it's because I couldn't care less if adults were naked at the beach either. I wouldn't want to see adults naked in town, and therefore don't particularly want to see kids naked in town either.

I've never really got the peados on every corner thing, they'll be there anyway and find a way to get their material, no point limiting your own life for them! Pervs are around too, doesn't stop people getting their boobs out on the beach though.

I think the nakedness thing is a bit of a red herring. It's that the children's mother doesn't want the GF to do something because she thinks it's a bad idea, and he is ignoring her wishes.

and the OP isn't at all reacting to peeeedo hysteria. She's saying that she, as a child, was subjected to similar treatment and it made her uncomfortable (she felt on display, pushed to be all alternative and not-shy when in fact she was feeling shy) and she wants to protect her children from those feelings.

Fundamentally, it's a disagreement about parenting. He thinks how he raised OP was right and better than what she wants to do with her DC. She thinks differently. The thing is, they are HER children, and therefore her wishes matter. He is ignoring her wishes. That's what this is about.

Agree that it's a good idea if you and your OH sit down with your father and say something along the lines of "our children love spending time with their wonderful grandad, I hope we can find a way for this to keep happening as it makes them so happy. However, you can't keep stripping them naked in the city centre, as we don't like it. Please will you put them into these swim-bottoms? We need to know you respect our wishes in this matter, because these are our children and it matters to us."

I agree its about him not respecting your wishes. I would also be worried about glass etc on the ground if it is in the city centre. But mostly I would be worried about sunburn. I ended up in casualty with very serious sunburn as a child because my Dad had let us run around naked. Which is why my ds will always have clothes on when outside in the sun.

I know the fountain you mean, YANBU. Children don't mind being naked, but you mind it and regardless of what your dad thinks he shouldn't be doing it!

Can he take them to the beachy bit on Chavasse park instead? It's more enclosed and very child friendly - had a great time there this afternoon.

YAB totally U.

Why would you have an issue with your children being naked?

I am totally unable to comprehend people who get upset about naked children and I am afraid I worry a bit about their thought processes.

Doesn't matter what some random person on the internet feels about whether children should or shouldn't run around in public naked.

Nor should you have to justify to these randoms or your father why you dont like it. They are your children and so you get the final say and if he cant respect that then he shouldn't be taking them out without you.

Wot blackcurrants said!

Catgirl, did you read the bit where the OP said she hated being made to be naked in public, when she was a child, and doesn't want her children subjected to the same thing?

Bertha...........No...........classic case of "did not read whole thread, now feels like a total tit" over here

Personally, I think your views mighty odd. However, they're your views and your father should do as you wish.
Feel sorry for your kids, though.

I'm with catgirl I'm afraid. I somehow overlooked that information from OP

And agree with blackcurrants

(still think its odd/a shame that kids can't be bare-bottomed more..)

They are your children, you have perfectly reasonable views on the issue in question, and that is that. Have faith in your own instinct here.

My DD's nanny takes her to the local paddling pool and sent me a photo last week of DD and her little friend enjoying a paddle wearing swimsuits and sunhats - I would certainly have found it bizarre and would have put her straight immediately if DD had been naked in a public place without my knowledge.

We have one like this nearby, a lot of the DC are wearing just nappies. I think I would feel a bit strange about it too, which is sad.

Still think people who are disturbed by naked children have some ishoos though

Very sad and a tad concerning for me I am afraid

I'm with catgirl. I think it's sad and strange that children can't run around naked.