Is it ever appropriate to hug a naked child?

[Anon8642]

Just that really. If the child (F) is naked, should they routinely have a hug from the parent of the opposite sex (M)? Until what age/stage? And should that parent also be allowed to share a bed with them (not naked)?

Child claims nothing is wrong and they "like it". I am worried, but I am not sure how bad this is/what level of help to get. Nothing overtly bad/sexual is happening, but it just feels wrong.

Why is it happening? Is she throwing her clothes off and going for a hug? I’m a bit confused. Mine haven’t done that to me since bath time as toddlers. I rarely have anything to do with them naked these days (10 & 12) although they’re comfortable being nude around us most of the time but it’s more in passing like we’re all getting dressed at the same time rather than actively stripping.

I would say about 7 or 8. But definitely if any changes happening then no. Although I am not a person who is comfortable with nakedness in general. Like I dont get naked in a changing room. I watched a program about naturist families once and I was wide eyed in amazement that they all just were happy being naked. As long as noone is being innapropriate or has sinister intentions then I think other families can have different views on nakedness and that is ok.

And at what point is it the parents responsibility to say that they are not comfortable, if the child never gets to that point?

The parent should not say that they are uncomfortable hugging their child, as that makes it the child's responsibility - they are the one who is changing, if they weren't changing their parent would still be happy to hug them.

Reframe:

Daddy treats women with respect. This means Daddy doesn't hug women naked, he only hugs Mummy/his partner naked. As your body is gradually changing from a little girl to a young woman, Daddy wants to treat you with the same respect. Daddy loves you very much and you deserve that respect.

I think its weird for a teen to be hugging a parent naked (i am assuming actually naked, not like in a towel hugs parent as they leave for work or something) and it's think its weird for a teenager to regularly sleep with a parent.

Only exception would be SEN and then I think its understandable why the child does it but id be teaching her about privacy because id worry about other adults she may be naked and vulnerable in front of

I wouldnt think either thing was weird prepuberty.

Think it really depends on the context. My DD has SEN, is 9 and we have to get her dressed/undressed. She'll regularly hug us (both her mum and dad) during this in various stages of undress. We also both bedshare with her if she wants to. Nothing wrong with it but as I said depends on the context.