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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Not to want toddler naked in garden ?

131 replies

lucie333 · 10/07/2022 14:21

My sons grandmother thinks I'm being unfair to my 2 year old for "forcing " Him to wear swimming costume in the pool?

My reasons behind this are I was Molested by my neighbour from 5-9 years old. I want to protect my son, he does not need to be naked in my opinion but am I being too over protective?

My other issue is I don't want him in the garden when his papa is cutting the grass because he tries to touch it when it's running and I'd much rather him stay in house and then go out when it's all done but his grandmother ignored me and took him out anyways after I said no and I caught her letting him pull on the string that starts the lawnmower! Please tell me your options am I being too over protective?

OP posts:
Original poster
lucie333 · 10/07/2022 14:22

*opinions

OP posts:
CloseYourEyesAndSee · 10/07/2022 14:24

Nudity - up to you, personally I prefer everyone to wear clothes even babies but I know it's personal preference. Being naked won't make him more vulnerable to being abused but your feelings are valid.
the lawnmower is a different issue. If his papa is there, do you not trust him to keep an eye on him?

waveyourpompoms · 10/07/2022 14:26

You are being overprotective with the nudity. Being naked isn’t going to stop that happening if it would have done anyway.

Houseplantmad · 10/07/2022 14:27

Two issues here


  1. yes you are being a bit overprotective re the nudity, although I get the reason why you feel this way,

  2. Your MIL is a dick and your DH needs a kick up the arse for allowing this to happen. A mower is not a plaything.

Jalepenojello · 10/07/2022 14:28

I can’t keep my kids in clothes when the pool is out in summer. But if this isn’t an issue for you, you’re the parent, up to you.

I am sorry you had to go through that but it is not related to naked toddlers in gardens.

Choccyp1g · 10/07/2022 14:31

Absolutely with you on the mower.

Someone from DS' school had his shoe and foot ripped to shreds. His father couldn't stop it quickly enough when the boy kicked out as the mower was passing.

RedWingBoots · 10/07/2022 14:35

A lawnmower isn't a toy. I only cut mine when my DD isn't around for that reason.

Wearing clothes, the type of clothes being wore and nudity don't stop abuse. But you know that don't you?

Anyway he should wear clothes to minimise being burnt by the sun..

coffeecupsandfairylights · 10/07/2022 14:39

I'm 100% with you on the lawnmower - I know a girl who lost several toes and part of her foot as her dad ran it over with the lawnmower.

I couldn't get worked up about the nudity though.

Rosebuud · 10/07/2022 14:40

If adults are there I think the nudity is fine, little kids prefer it for obvious reasons, a nappy can’t be the most comfortable thing. And certainly not in the heat. The lawnmower is different, if you genuinely believe he’s unsafe and rhe adults can’t protect him then I’m with you.

Rainbowbaby13 · 10/07/2022 14:41

My son where's his trunks and a T-shirt in the paddling pool in the garden he's 1. It's completely up to you and personal preference as your his parent your mother in laws opinion doesn't matter

  1. Your husband needs to speak to his mother if you have said no and she's ignored you that's completely disrespectful. Lawn mowers are dangerous but regardless of whether it was a lawn mower or something else your child your rules
Aquamarine1029 · 10/07/2022 14:43

Small children should never be allowed near lawnmowers. They should be kept inside until the mowing is done.

As for the nudity, you are the parent, you make the rules.

NellWilsonsWhiteHair · 10/07/2022 14:43

Houseplantmad · 10/07/2022 14:27

Two issues here


  1. yes you are being a bit overprotective re the nudity, although I get the reason why you feel this way,

  2. Your MIL is a dick and your DH needs a kick up the arse for allowing this to happen. A mower is not a plaything.

This.

stuntbubbles · 10/07/2022 14:43

I think you’re being overprotective, understandably, about the nudity. There’s a short window of life where little kids get to frolic naked in gardens and paddling pools: enjoy it! DD was starkers at a pool party yesterday and it was lovely.

Lawnmowers and little kids don’t mix; we only have a push mower and still only use it when DD is inside/at nursery/heavily supervised by the other parent.

Suddha · 10/07/2022 14:45

YANBU. I wouldn’t go outdoors naked myself, and my child deserves the same level of dignity I would have. Letting kids roam around naked is so chavvy.

Nanny0gg · 10/07/2022 14:48

Needs a loose t-shirt in this weather.

And to put him anywhere near a lawnmower is the height of stupidity.

If it's your house take him indoors. If it's theirs, go home

Rainbowbaby13 · 10/07/2022 14:48

Suddha · 10/07/2022 14:45

YANBU. I wouldn’t go outdoors naked myself, and my child deserves the same level of dignity I would have. Letting kids roam around naked is so chavvy.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

KangarooKenny · 10/07/2022 14:50

I never had mine naked either, you never know who is taking pictures or filming them.

Floraanddougal · 10/07/2022 14:50

Suddha · 10/07/2022 14:45

YANBU. I wouldn’t go outdoors naked myself, and my child deserves the same level of dignity I would have. Letting kids roam around naked is so chavvy.

Don’t be ridiculous it’s in the family garden not round Asda. And kids prefer to be naked at that age.

Jessbow · 10/07/2022 14:52

He doesnt Need to wear anything in the garden, but a pair of pants ( rather than a nappy or swimmers) might do as well.

if you cant dance about naked in the ompny of your grandparents when you are 2, someones thinking is a bit squeue.

Dinoteeth · 10/07/2022 14:53

Lawnmower I'm more chilled about than the nudity. My DGF was always happy to have kids potter around him.

My concern about the nudity is more related to sunburn than anything else. If its warm enough for a paddling pool, the sun is strong enough for skin damage.

Lazypuppy · 10/07/2022 14:54

I agree eith kids and nudity, imo they don't need to be naked, at least have swimmijg bottoms on.

Lawnmower, i agree with you, but i woupd never mow my grass when my DD woulf want to play in the garden 🤷🏼‍♀️ we do it either night before or first thing in the morning before we set up paddling pool etc

hangrylady · 10/07/2022 14:55

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roarfeckingroarr · 10/07/2022 14:58

With you on the mower.

Wearing clothes is a personal thing. Your feelings are valid. Personally, so long as burning isn't a risk, I'm happy for my toddler to be nude.

Notanotherwindow · 10/07/2022 14:59

I agree with you, it's inappropriate. You never know what pervs are looking. I was also abused aged 9 so perhaps, like you, this colours my viewpoint. I never consider any adult safe just by virtue of being family.

The lawnmower this is just downright dangerous. Those blades move so fast that you can't stop it quickly enough in an emergency.

7eleven · 10/07/2022 15:01

My grandchildren have always worn a little cossie in the garden. I agree about dignity. My son in law blurs the genital area on photos of my baby granddaughter even in our family WhatsApp group.