Naked children in the park - who is right?

[Oysterbabe]

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?

I would not allow mine to do that.

I don't care if it's legal or not. Who the hell wants to see adults sunbathing naked in the park? How incredibly selfish to impose that on other park users.

Who the hell wants to see adults sunbathing naked in the park? I don't, but only in the way I don't want to see naked beer guts or string thongs and bums poking out from the top of trousers... not a great sight, but easy enough to ignore.

I am not so sure you are being unreasonable.

I always thought like your H that of course there is no harm with a tiny innocent little child being naked. That is how I let mine be.

Now, I have changed my mind.
I think that among the crowds there will be someone there attracted to a baby. Of course, no harm will come because you are there so it does not really matter on that score, but the thought is unpleasant. People also may take photos secretly with mobiles.

Another thing I have come to think, is that having your small child be dressed in a swimming costume say, instead of being naked in a public spot, may help her/him build a sense that her/his body is off limits to the world at large - a good thing for having a sense of boundaries.

At home and in private fine, but not in a public place.

I would be more worried about giving them body image issues when telling them that they should not enjoy running around

I never allowed it when mine were toddlers, ( & that was a while ago ) but I'd be even less likely now with mobile phones, anyone could be discreetly taking photos.

We can't keep clothes on our 3 year old and even my elder 2 take clothes off whenever they can. My 7 year old daughter rarely has a top on in the house but we try to get her to wear one if guests come over.

This is at home though. I don't see a problem outside with young children. Most people aren't paedophiles.

In not sure what I would do...

I have happily let my dd run around naked outside in the garden but I don't think I would let her in public.

Not because of paedos but it's dignity. Even if she doesn't care right now.

If we came across an unexpected water section I would probably let her run about either in her nappy or naked but water is a bit different.

The average park no.

And I would be impressed to stumble across naked sunbathers.

I like mine to keep pants on but that more about if they've messed up the wiping

Otherwise who gives a shit.

It doesn't bother me. They can just as easily get off by going to a swimming pool and lurking around the changing rooms.
My two and half year old hates wearing clothes. The minute we get home she says "I want to be naked" and takes all her clothes off. I've insisted she wears clothes in public when she's tried to strip at soft play etc but on a park in the sunshine it wouldn't bother me. I just think the same as your Hubby.

I let my youngest at that age wear just knickers - I think that there's nothing wrong with bodies but the message is that your genitals are private and not for public display. I would have thought that paedos (very unfortunate that auto correct suggests "parsons") would get a kick from children in costumes as much as nude.

(And if the excuse for being nude is just that you didn't have a cossie, just knickers is fine as they can go commando going home)

I second sparklingbrook. I'd feel uncomfortable with a kid completely starkers in a park, at the very least have a pair of knickers on?

Sadly there is more risk of children being photographed these days.. I'd have no personal issue with nudie children and actually think it's sweet but I wouldn't want to risk any images taken of my children being used for inappropriate reasons. For that reason my children don't play naked in public.

'Keep your pants on in public' as a rule for everyone is the way to go.

It's harming no-one, unless you count the risk of sunburn. Some people may not like it, but that's a different thing.

No matter what we do, bad things have always happened to children and always will. Being fully clothed won't stop perverts getting turned on by children, it never did. And as PotteringAlong said, what's going to happen to your kid if you're watching them?

I wouldn't, I think pants at least. I agree with your DP on the peado subject, if there were any the children would have no idea and they would be equally getting off on the clothed children.

I just don't think its necessary to be completely naked outside the home/garden.

My reasons for it not being a good idea have nothing to do with anyone coming to harm or paedophiles, or being all horrified at the sight of a naked 4 year old etc

All to do with mixed messages to DC and keeping what is underneath their pants private as the guidelines recommend.

Just saw your comment sparkling about shopping in the nuddy and where to pop your keys and purse.

All I can suggest is put them there . You would never be mugged and you can practice your pelvic floor exercises at the same time

What is it with you parents, that you think kids have to be naked to truly have fun?? Just put some pants on them, it's you that's thinks it fantastic not them, they couldn't care less. We are always telling them not to show their genitals and then all of a sudden it's ok to strip off and run around naked a public place..... Conflicting messages!!
Garden yes, public place NO!

Personally I wouldn't let my little one run around naked at least have some bottoms on, you don't know who's looking

Haha British prudes alive and well!

Brits are fucked up about nudity, it's so freaking weird.

Poor kids !

Yes....