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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Naked children in courtyard cafés

290 replies

bibblybop · 18/07/2021 17:28

Today DH and I took DS to a local beauty spot. Like a National Trust but not actually NT if you get me? Beautiful gardens, old mansion, gorgeous.

We were having a bite to eat in the courtyard cafe near a family with several young children running around. Fine. Except the youngest little girl (roughly 3yo) was running around completely naked.

I'm not a prude, and I'm very sympathetic to parents as I know from experience that kids can be unruly/unreasonable and sometimes decorum has to come second to a child's need (i'm thinking public wees in an emergency kind of scenarios here...)

But I feel like allowing your child to run around completely naked in an outdoor café is a bit much? People are there trying to enjoy their lunch while a little girl is romping around everyone's tables with no clothes on... I know it's hot but it's a cafe FGS

I'd love to know people's thoughts on this because I feel like I'm missing something 🙈😂 Surely they can't think that's acceptable? Or is it?!

OP posts:
Lottapianos · 18/07/2021 17:30

No, it's not acceptable. Some people behave as if the entire world is their own front room / back garden

0None0 · 18/07/2021 17:31

Not acceptable

Marty13 · 18/07/2021 17:32

They should have kept her underclothes or diaper on at least ...

takealettermsjones · 18/07/2021 17:32

I wouldn't even question it if it was a beach, but yeah a cafe is a bit much. I wouldn't say anything though - she's not doing any harm really.

HalfTermHalfTerm · 18/07/2021 17:32

It’s not very hygienic but it’s also around 30 degrees here today. Aside from anything else I would be worried about the sunburn she might get Confused

Bimblybomeyelash · 18/07/2021 17:33

I’d have more of a problem with the running around than I would with the nakedness.

Bagelsandbrie · 18/07/2021 17:33

At a cafe is weird. Not okay.

At a beach fair enough.

Faranth · 18/07/2021 17:33

No, I don't think that's OK, and I wouldn't do it.

50% not wanting weirdos potentially perving at DD

And 50% worried about sunburn - it's bloody ridiculous sun at the minute!

FreeBritnee · 18/07/2021 17:33

Well I wouldn’t outside of my back garden.

Marty13 · 18/07/2021 17:34

Is it possible that she soiled her clothes and they decided that naked is better than in soiled clothes ? For all you know one of the parents was rushing home for clean clothes at the time...

Maggiesfarm · 18/07/2021 17:34

You're right, it isn't acceptable. They can have just as much fun wearing a little pair of cotton shorts.

PyjamaFan · 18/07/2021 17:34

Yeah I would also worry about sunburn. And it's not particularly appropriate in a cafe either.

Hoppinggreen · 18/07/2021 17:35

DH is German and the DC inherited his lax attitude to clothes
They have grown out of it now but it was hard to get them to wear swimsuits on the beach/by the pool on holiday and during the summer if at home or in the garden they were generally naked
But no way would I have let them do it in that environment

Newpuppymummy · 18/07/2021 17:35

I wouldn’t let my children do it but it wouldn’t massively bother me. To be honest it would bother me more that she was running around the tables than she was naked

MistyFrequencies · 18/07/2021 17:36

Yep. Not acceptable.

MapGirlExtraordinaire · 18/07/2021 17:36

I'd find it cute tbh. My two have been naked in public many times, they want to and I can't think of a good reason to say no. If it bothers someone else then that's their problem.

Noise and running so close as to cause people aggravation I would put a stop to, but a 3 yr old's little naked bum? Nah, fine in my book.

SueSaid · 18/07/2021 17:36

God no, why can't parents protect their kids privacy. I don't even like dc naked on beaches. Private back gardens fine, anywhere public then swimming costumes or underwear.

DinosaurDiana · 18/07/2021 17:37

Not appropriate. Knickers/nappy at least.

Rinoachicken · 18/07/2021 17:39

@MapGirlExtraordinaire

You can’t think of single reason to say no? Really?!

Does there need to BE a reason? How about a simple “we wear clothes when we go outside the house”

andbreeeathe · 18/07/2021 17:41

@MapGirlExtraordinaire

I'd find it cute tbh. My two have been naked in public many times, they want to and I can't think of a good reason to say no. If it bothers someone else then that's their problem.

Noise and running so close as to cause people aggravation I would put a stop to, but a 3 yr old's little naked bum? Nah, fine in my book.

Tbh I'd think 'It bothers someone else' would be 'a good reason to say no' Shock
SueSaid · 18/07/2021 17:42

'I'd find it cute tbh. My two have been naked in public many times, they want to and I can't think of a good reason to say no. If it bothers someone else then that's their problem.'

It 'bothers me' because young dc don't know any better so as parents we must protect them. There are weirdos with phones who could film your poor dc.

You wouldn't let an 8 years of run round naked in public would you, they probably wouldn't want to because they have developed body awareness by that age. Little ones haven't so that's why parents should ensure they at least have underwear on when in public.

AnUnoriginalUsername · 18/07/2021 17:43

3 is far too old to not understand that you can't be naked in a cafe. I wouldn't feel comfortable at all with a 3 year old running about naked and I'm far from a prude.

LemonRoses · 18/07/2021 17:44

I think if it's a place with splash fountains designed for play its perfectly reasonable. Any urine would go down the drains with the water and plenty of children void in pools and the sea. \hardly life threatening.

If it's a case of soaking people whilst running between tables, then probably less acceptable

TheFairyCaravan · 18/07/2021 17:45

No. Not appropriate at all.

Rhinothunder · 18/07/2021 17:45

I think British people are very prude. Toddler outside on a day when it's over 30 degrees? No problem.

Not acceptable in older kids unless on a beach / river / sprinkler etc though