being naked in front of step children

[memoo]

I have two step daughters as well as 3 children of my own. DH and I have never had a problem being naked in front of our children and the DC are always in and out of the bathroom when I shower etc.

My dsd's are 7 and 8 and I've just started wondering whether its ok for me to be naked in front of them. I don't mind them seeing me but I'm worried their mother may find it wrong if it was ever mentioned.

What do other people do?

I think to normalise family behaviour where ever possible is essential to a healthy happy upbringing. DH is the DS's step dad and I have no issues with him being naked in front of them, or them in front of him. Their biological father had various hangups, including nakedness, and didn't like them splashing in a paddling pool without being fully clothed. I have wondered what he'd say about it but I'm not going to let it repress what I see as normal in family life.

My SS are 16 and 18 so no I don't let them see me naked. It would probably put them off women for life (carrying 3 children has taken its toll) .
I would ask their mum if she lets them see her in the altogether and take your lead from that.

I always took the lead from dsd. She was always perfectly happy to see me naked, share a shower with me etc when she was little. It was only as she got older that she didn't want to, and once she felt like that we respected what she wanted.

Asking her mum would have been impossible, and I do tend to think that, within reason, you just have to do things your own way.

I was freaked out by being naked in front of DSC for about a year or so, and used to quietly sneak off to change behind a closed door etc, but as the relationship has evolved and we've settled into our groove it's all become much more comfortable and now I don't mind at all. The turning point came when it was unavoidable after swimming one day!

I totally admit that any 'problem' came from my side rather than the DSC (they are v young), but it worked for us to allow things to evolve, and now we'll share baths, showers etc - but I still draw the line at them coming in to chat when I'm on the loo!!

This one is very personal. I prefer not to be naked in front of my own children once they get past about three.

My SSs are 14 and 18 and I would never be naked in front of them - for obvious reasons.

But I would consider it VERY strange for my dh to be naked in front of my DDs who are his SDs.

Luckily we are of the same mind on this so it is not a problem. Underwear, yes. Nakedness, no.

I've never really thought about it. DCs see me in the buff all the time, but the closest DBD has been to seeing me naked is when I'm wrapped in a towel after having a bath or shower.

TBH everthing has gone south after 2 children and (wibble) years and I'd be more worried that she'd laugh than be embarrassed!

I think it depends on the age of the children, how long you have been step parent and your attitude towards it in general.

I have never made an issue of DS seeing me naked but when he got to about 10/11, I have avoided being naked around him if possible.

DP would never be naked in front of his own children (he has to be careful not to give ex wife any ammunition so she can accuse him of abuse) and therefore isn't naked in front of my DS either.

He is more of a prude than I am, but I understand he has his reasons and I think it's respectful for me to follow that too, although his youngest daughter has also seen me naked at swimming.

MJ - whats DBS and DBD ??

Yours sincerely,

Easily Confused.

DH and DSS (aged8) have always done nudity, but DSS doesn't want me to see him naked so I'm happy to respect that. Equally, I'm quite happy with him not seeing my less-than-toned bod so it works both ways.

Thanks MJ - I think I have caught up now - I do lose the plot sometimes and have to say am in general much happier without it !!

Plot - anyone - slightly used - free to a good home ?