to make DD (4) wear shorts under her nightdress?

[StarlingBirdsong]

So DD has just discovered it is possible to sleep in a dress (a birthday gift) and is now point blank refusing to wear her usual pjs (shorts and t-shirt). Not a problem, she needed new nightwear so i'm buying her a couple more.

However I was planning on getting some cycling short/cut off leggings for her to wear underneath. DH doesnt understand why and thinks its a waste of money and not needed. My thoughts are that she is only 4, so she comes downstairs in the morning and is turning cartwheels etc and generally mucking about with her brothers and i dont think its necessary to have bare bottoms waving about, or sat on my sofa.

Whilst i'm not a prude, i am conscious that she has an older brother and i think its important to set some ground rules for acceptable nudity - getting changed for bed etc is one thing but surely its not right for her privates to be on display while she's playing?

So what are your thoughts - shorts underneath? or perhaps just a pair of pants? to be worn all night or should i get her to put her pants on when she gets up? (also thinking of 'breathability' as it were if she's in something close fitting all night?)

(if its relevant i also generally encourage her to wear short leggings under her skirts and dresses, again due to age and her love of being upside down and climbing things - seems more practical than bare legs climbing a gate/on a slide etc)

Why do people feel the need to put shorts on wee girls? What's wrong with pants?

Not at night but in the day, DD wears leggings under dresses. Reasons: slides; trees; falling over in empty rooms she is so clumsy; sun protection. Modesty is certainly not a reason.

WTF, this has got to be a wind up.

I think she can sleep in knickers. Shorts would also be fine as long as they are loose and comfy ones.

My DD is 4 and she wears most skirts and dresses with leggings (in the daytime I mean). She hates tights so this is a good option. Yes you might say just wear a top instead of a dress, but if they have a dress already and like to wear it with leggings … I have no problem with this.

Dresses on their own in summer can be awkward at the playground - sticking on slides etc!

Soon there'll be even more modest short to cover the modesty shorts that cover the knickers.

My DD used to wear 'modesty shorts' under her summer dress, in effect just shorter cycling shorts but how I hate the name of them! It was simply because in her last couple of years at primary she wanted something under the dresses she loved.
As for bed why ever would one put shorts or leggings on a child under a nightie? Knickers are sufficient I think, cotton ones.
As well as White Company, M & S do pure cotton nightwear but only pj's. They are gorgeous though and a good price.

I can't understand this obsession with making children wear shorts or leggings under skirts and dresses. It's particularly unkind in hot weather. How many adults do this?

Wouldn't just more "substantial" pants be better than pants & shorts under dresses?

Ok horses for courses but we are a very naked family I think you are encouraging her to be embarrassed/concerned about her body.

we are a very naked family

The half term brigade are clearly out in full force.

She's four and she's at home - I am prudish and proud but even I am at this!

Haha-we are a very naked fàmily too! Dd is five and often runs around in the nude. Plenty of bare bums!

Genuine question...what do people mean by "modesty" in the context of little girls? What's the issue with them showing their pants, even their bare skin?

I understand the hygiene aspect I suppose (though I don't think I'd be that bothered by a clean, bare bottom on my sofa!) and of course the paedophilia thing...but I just don't get the "modesty" thing. Like they are flaunting themselves if they show their pants? Or embarrassing themselves? I'm being genuine, not goady...I really don't get it!

Having followed up the nit letter from school recently with the threadworms letter. See nhs for advice, pants at night recommended.

pants at night recommended

I think it comes down to comfort at the end of the day. I hate wearing knickers in bed. Or any clothing really.

And to the poster telling her girls to

'Sit nicely'

WTAFFFFF.?

I presume the boys are told to 'sit nicely' too?

I wear a nightshirt, no pants, and wander around the house with three males in it quite happily.

"Whilst i'm not a prude, i am conscious that she has an older brother

she is only 4"

What an incredibly depressing post.

Why does anyone wear knickers under their nightwear? What purpose does it serve other than make you hot and sweaty?

I'm sure no one ever did this when I was young, I think it's part of the obsessive overly-clean-for-no-reason culture we seem to have acquired these days. Along with anti-bacterial sprays and no shoes indoors and no-touch handwash (wtf is that all about?).

I don't like kids old enough to wipe their own bum but young enough for it to be a bit hit and miss sitting bare bummed on sofas. Modesty doesn't come into it..

The rule we have is if you are with other people wear knickers.

Not a prude? You really are! Modesty around her brother? Why? They're kids and if they weren't so what?

i dont think its necessary to have bare bottoms waving about, or sat on my sofa.

Most bizarre use of necessary I've ever heard...no it's not necessary....but hardly problematic either....

Knickers. That's what they're for.

What an effective way to create body issues from a very young age.