Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Naked children in the park - who is right?

497 replies

Oysterbabe · 08/05/2016 17:24

We're currently enjoying the sun in the park with DD 4 months (who is enjoying it by being asleep in the shade) It is packed with families as you'd expect. In the group next to us there are two little girls, I'm going to guess about 4 and 5, who are having a lovely time running around and playing completely in the buff. I was saying to DH that I wouldn't let our DD run around naked at that age in such a public place. There could be any number of dodgy characters watching on and getting off on it. He thinks it's fine, that they're still young enough to get away with it. Also in the unlikely event there is a lurking paedo, they're completely oblivious and it's not going to hurt them at all, you can't live in fear.
Who's right? Am I being too Daily Mail paedo round every corner or is it correct to be cautious about such things?

OP posts:
Sallyingforth · 09/05/2016 08:33

bakeoff
You are wrong. I won't bother repeating the law yet again. Go and check it for yourself.

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2016 08:35

Why is the park better than your garden when you are a naturist though?

Lying quietly naked in the sun in your garden seems an ok thing to do, not surrounded by other clothed people and screaming children.

Only1scoop · 09/05/2016 08:36

Garden best place surely sally

You can factor fifty yourself up in your complete nakedness ....without lying near possible dog poo....sniggering park goers and kites landing precariously between your cheeks Blush

treaclesoda · 09/05/2016 08:38

I looked up the law this morning after I read Sallying's post about being naked in the park and was surprised to see that it is perfectly legal as long as it isn't intended to cause distress or something along those lines. Not sure how you judge that though, since it's so subjective.

stopfuckingshoutingatme · 09/05/2016 08:38

I used to let my DC go to the seaside nude, until my SIL pointed an old man furtively taking photos on his phone - all DAY, every day

and I did try and address it but...failed

fricking peado incarnate

Floggingmolly · 09/05/2016 08:39

I sunbathe discretely You mean discreetly; and no, if you're naked in a public park there is nothing discreet about it.
Why were you disappointed that you had to return to the privacy of your garden? Is being starkers in public important to you? Confused

CuntingDMjournos · 09/05/2016 08:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sallyingforth · 09/05/2016 08:48

molly
My garden is small and in shade most of the day. The park is sunny and intended for people to enjoy it.
I'm out of this now, I have a living to earn.

allegretto · 09/05/2016 08:50

I wouldn't have a problem at the beach but not in the park.

confusionis · 09/05/2016 08:52

Neither one of you. Genitalia should not be on public display, except for the short period of time it takes for a nappy to be changed.

paxillin · 09/05/2016 08:52

Lots of people say covering up is teaching kids privates are not to be seen in public. But parents who allow their kids to be nude in the park clearly teach that, too. All the kids I know were happy to be naked aged 3, some were aged 5 and none aged 7. All the kids had learned it by then. I think mine started wanting to be clothed at all times around 5 or so, can't quite remember.

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2016 08:54

If I was a naturist i would head for the middle of nowhere. Packed parks in the sunshine are not my idea of fun at all clothed or not if all I wanted to do was lie quietly in the sun.

Parks are enjoyed noisily by children and curious dogs.

FabMumDebs · 09/05/2016 08:57

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Floggingmolly · 09/05/2016 08:58

That's a bit contradictory, pax. Privates are not to be seen in public, but you can allow nudity in public parks while still teaching that? How does that work?

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2016 09:00

I am off to Morrisons shortly. I might go starkers, as it's not illegal or anything. if I keep my head down and just do my shopping I am sure nobody will mind.

Floggingmolly · 09/05/2016 09:03

As long as you don't bend over in the freezer section you should be fine, Sparkling

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2016 09:04

I am bit worried about seat belt chafe.

Only1scoop · 09/05/2016 09:08

Oh spark just get on with it and enjoy....

Maybe don a pair of those wheelie trainer things, then you can quickly glide down the freezer aisle without your teeth chattering.

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2016 09:08

Where do I put my car keys and purse?

Helmetbymidnight · 09/05/2016 09:15

Do it!
Guts of steel, me.
Nothing will put me off my flan

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2016 09:17

Just thought. Can't do it-I will end up on my town's FB Spotted page and my teen DSs will not be happy.

paxillin · 09/05/2016 09:17

Keys and purse- get an attractive lanyard Grin.

As for teaching to be clothed in public, same as potty training, ok for small children to wear a nappy or be nude in the park or by the beach, as you get older it is important to cover up and use the loo. But it clearly does happen, since almost all kids want to wear at least pants aged 6 or 7, even the ones allowed to be naked.

Bear2014 · 09/05/2016 09:18

I wouldn't let my 2 year old daughter be naked in the park. I'm just not comfortable with it. Plus, weather like yesterday I would want her to be covered to protect from the sun.

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2016 09:20

Looking at the weather forecast for this week , I don't think anyone will be naked in the park for a while. By Friday it's going to be about 14 degrees.

paxillin · 09/05/2016 09:49

Mine are too old now, so not a decision I have to make anymore. Temperature would never have stopped them, they appear to have no perception of hot or cold. Favourite thick hoody in the sweltering heat? Bring it on. Shorts at Christmas? Whyever not? Weirdos.