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Original poster

what age did you discourage nudity in your child?

39 replies

imaginaryfriend · 03/01/2008 20:55

I mean the kind of running round at home naked and rolling on the bed legs akimbo kind of nudity? Should it be curbed / discouraged? Does it change by itself?

I think dp is getting a little uncomfortable sometimes with our 5-year-old dd's 'freedom' with her body, most often worrying that she's naked by the lounge window etc. I can see his point but at the same time you're only 5 once ...

OP posts:
mistletoemiggins · 03/01/2008 20:57

I am naked by lounge windown & I am 37

doesnt it depend how many people walk past your window AND is a 5 yr old really in danger?

I think sometimes we have hang ups over nudity....

BibiThree · 03/01/2008 20:58

I say in your own home, let them be children and ejoy the freedoms we cannot as adults.

WigWamBam · 03/01/2008 20:58

My attitude is that when dd gets embarrassed by it then she will stop.

Until then, what's the problem? She's a child, completely innocent and at ease with her body - and long may that continue!

If people can see in, put some net curtains up.

DontCallMeHun · 03/01/2008 20:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 03/01/2008 20:59

I know. Dp is quite old-fashioned about these things, very protective. But I do see his point.

We live in a very busy central London street so not a lot of privacy.

OP posts:
MAMAZON · 03/01/2008 20:59

she will reach a stage in her own development when she no longer wants to be seen naked.

until tehn let her enjoy the freedom

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 03/01/2008 21:00

Yes, we've encouraged dd to know that parts of her body are 'private' and only to be seen by dp or I or someone she knows very well. She's actually quite discreet around other people, asks to use the toilet in private and get changed in private.

OP posts:
Boco · 03/01/2008 21:00

Hey IF, how is your dd's skin problem now? She looks very pretty with those fairy wings.

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 03/01/2008 21:01

What sort of age do they become more conscious of their nudity?

OP posts:
PaperChain · 03/01/2008 21:01

I dont have a problem with my DS (5) running about in the nude. As someone else said, you are only 5 once. And yoou can always close the curtains if you ar worried about what the neighbours think. But I really dont think it is a poroblem. My DS was running about in the garden last summer in the nude. (I live in a London street too)

morningpaper · 03/01/2008 21:01

I think it is fine to feel uncomfortable but not fine to act on that and ask her to cover up, because your discomfort is YOUR problem, not hers, IYSWIM.

It DOES get a bit wearing seeing labia all day, we are far too repressed for that sort of thing. But it is perfectly lovely and natural so I agree, just let her get on with it.

wheresthehamster · 03/01/2008 21:01

I never have. They decided themselves. The only naked people around the house now are myself and DP

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 03/01/2008 21:01

Thanks Boco, and hello! Her skin is much much better and we've finally stopped the antibiotics. Phew ... There's always a risk it might come back but we'll take that as it comes.

OP posts:
sleepycat · 03/01/2008 21:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Boco · 03/01/2008 21:03

Oh that's great news. HOpe it never comes back.

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 03/01/2008 21:03

mp at your labia comment.

We do close the curtains when dd's in a streaking session.

Should I tell dp to cool down a bit then?

OP posts:
chankins · 03/01/2008 21:03

I know where you are coming from on this - dd1 is 5 and we have just started to mention that certain areas are private and shouldn't be shown to everyone - only very gently and occasionally. I don't want her to be embarrassed of her body at all, but just think you have to start at some point to let them know there is a time and place for running around naked. She already closes the loo door when going for a wee.
My dh is the opposite and thinks there is nothing wrong with kids running about naked - but I can't help worry, especially at the beach, I really don't like it.
I woldn't want the neighbours to see any of my kids naked at the window , but perhaps I am being silly.

PaperChain · 03/01/2008 21:04

lol at streaking sessions!!

yes, tell dp to cool down a bit, and get his kit off too! (oops that came out wrong, but YKWIM)

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 03/01/2008 21:05

sleepycat I think it's a good thing too. My mum was a very straight-laced Jewish woman who really didn't tolerate nudity in any form and I must confess I never walk around naked. I even get dressed after a bath with a towel round me when I'm on my own! I wouldn't want that for dd.

OP posts:
wheresthehamster · 03/01/2008 21:06

At the beach I made sure I had cossies with us from about 3 years I think.

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 03/01/2008 21:07

PC, dp's always been very comfortable with his own nudity although he does hide his penis from dd as he feels uncomfortable with that.

OP posts:
morningpaper · 03/01/2008 21:07

I take bottoms for the beach because sand in your bits is a bloody nightmare to get out

I think it's important to let them see you naked, I agree - I want my children to know what a naked woman REALLY looks like

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 03/01/2008 21:13

dd sees me naked in the bath and that's all very natural. She also sees dp naked in the bath although he's not that keen! I've never ever seen my mother naked. I once I caught a glimpse of her pubic hair and was horrified!

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PaperChain · 03/01/2008 21:14

Is it different with girls then? My dh doesnt have a problemn being naked in front of our ds..

am I being naive here? or just plain stupid?

morningpaper · 03/01/2008 21:16

I don't think it's different with girls, I think some people just feel embarassed about nudity and more embarassed about nudity in front of people/children of the opposite sex