Acceptable Nudity?

Question

What is acceptable nudity for children in front of other children and adults?

My son and I will be staying with my friend (female) and she has a 4 nearly 5yr old daugther, my son is 6. They are very open about nudity and undressing and she lets her daughter run around in just pants when at home inside. I do the same with him. She also sleeps without pants.

I don't want to create any issues or been seen as a prude, and have had the touching talk with my son.

Thanks for your answers. He is a curious little chap and can be very mischievous. He has a habit of playing with himself without really noticing which could be embarrising.

Answer 1

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As a member of a nudist family I say any time as long as everyone is comfortable. I'm part of one myself and nudity has never been a problem. We also go to nudist resorts and beaches and everything's cool.

Raising a kid to be comfortable with nudity is one of the best things you can do.

Check out my links below.

Answer 2

My opinion is they are at the age of curiousity so do keep an eye open (I have a 5 yr old boy and 7 yr old girl) Usually they don't think twice about nudity and such but there are times when one minute there running around in their underwear and the next they crying cuz cuz one of them walked in on them while they were changing and there have been a few instances where they've been playing with friends and got curious. It happens. It's nature. Just be cautious. Use your judgement.

Answer 3

Put money on it within half an hour they wouldn't notice if each other were naked.My sons 7 and constantly fiddles with his bits my friend has a girl of 7 and tells me that girls are the same.Funny story years ago my mum was babysitting for a friends little boy he must have been about 3 my sister was about the same age they were very quiet in the bedroom so my mother asked me to see what they were up to when i went in they were both naked (apart from socks!!) he was lying on the bed and she was colouring his willie in with a green felt pen!!!my mum and me after the initial shock nearly wet ourselves laughing she,s 32 now and still goes red if you mention it.

Answer 4

Its down to context and intent.

In your own home, its fine.If visitors arrive, perhaps not.
If you live in the middle of the Gambia or on a beach, why not ?
If your friend is Michael Jackson, probably not

It sounds like you are talking about getting changed without inhibitions, thats OK. So why are you mentioning "touching" ? thats makes it sound like once you get in the house you are going to say "right kids, get your kit off and go any play upstairs"

It seems to me that you are already unsure because you are thinking about it.

A 6 year old and 5 year old in pants, who cares ? they certainly don't.

You should be more worried at age 10, and then only because kids are daft and inquisitive.

Nudity and naturism should be perfectly acceptable, society is messed up.

Answer 5

Theres a whole spectrum here, and most countries and places are towards the "nudity kewl" side as compared to America, Europe obviously has some countries which are more tolerant, Africa has tribes which don't bother with clothes most of the time...

Answer 6

Every household is different. Some feel comfortable with nudity, some don't. If your household doesn't feel comfortable, yet her's does, then use this as an opportunity for your son to see how others live. It can be a growing experience instead of a shameful thing.

Answer 7

Set boundaries for your household, but if it is at those other people's homes you cannot ask them to dress or behave any specific way. If you don't like how they run their home, don't visit. Simple.

I don't believe there is anything wrong with a child under 6 not wearing a shirt inside. Girls don't form actual breasts that early anyway, so there's no need to run over and throw a shirt on her if she doesn't want one on.

My mom didn't make me wear a shirt inside the house until I was about 7 years old.

Answer 8

It's so sad that there is now stigma attached to nudity! It's so natural for small children to run around naked! It's so innocent and parents just shouldn't have to worry about what society thinks of it! You're his Mum and it's up to you if you're happy about it. I also believe that if parents bring their children up to be open about nudity and their bodies, they are more likely to grow up being comfortable with themselves. There are just too many people with major hang-ups about their bodies and this is the cause of a lot of mental illness and depression. Of course you have to protect your children from some very cruel and twisted individuals out there but letting kids run around naked in the house with people you know well, or even on the beach is fine!

Answer 9

I assume your friend is a naturist. I know many who enjoy that lifestyle (non-sexual nudity). You seem to have done and said the right things to your son, so I think everything should be fine.

We have been raised to believe the human body is somehow obscene. It's not.

Answer 10

For goodness sake they are children, let them be! Once you make an issue there will be one, let them be innocent and enjoy childhood. I have an 8 year old son who never has any clothes on when in his own enviroment but he knows when friends come he keeps them on, no discussion. They will do it instinctively.