Walking around naked. :)

Mary1959 - posted on 04/01/2011

my daughter is 8
we share one bathroom
so we see each other all the time

Tawny Lee - posted on 11/17/2010

I agree with a lot of the moms in that a) it's a VERY individual choice. My house - very casual about nudity, no big deal. My husband's - EEK, SKIN!!!! So, there've been some adjustments, when we added 2 little boys to the house. My husband was a little uncomfortable with me being nude around them, and I told him, tough, it's not a big deal until one of us (i.e. myself or the boys) has an issue. When my stepson was in the home, I covered up; that's a different situation, but even he saw my breasts a few times while I was breastfeeding, so what? My 4 yr old is a little breast-focused, though, so generally I at least will throw a bra on if we're hanging out. I'm very matter-of-fact about any questions he asks about my body or his own, and the only rule (which I had to make after his brother was born) is you can touch your own private parts, but not anyone else's. Yes, obviously this will need age-related modification, but it stopped some bathtub issues! :)

Lissa - posted on 07/01/2010

The time will naturally come on it's own, my 13 year old doesn't want to see me naked and certainly doesn't want to be seen naked! My four and five year old always want to come and tell me important things when I'm in the bath. At some point you may feel uncomfortable or your children will start wanting privacy and will just stop barging into your room and the bathroom. I don't think it's a big deal at all and if it becomes one your kids will soon start saying please cover up mum.

Tiffany - posted on 07/01/2010

I don't think there's a problem with walking around naked at any age until someone starts to feel uncomfortable with it. I grew up with a mom that wasn't secret about nudity, and my sister (just a few years younger than me) hated nudity. I didn't care one way or the other. Still don't. We just told her not to look at us if we walked by naked LOL! Now, I'm still not bothered by nudity. It's not a big deal until someone makes it one. Actually, my 11yr old son who is going through puberty a little early has come up to me a couple of times stating "Look how big it's getting!" Haha!! He asks me questions about new developments on his body and what to do about them. I think it's great that he's so open & talkative with me, because that means he trusts me and that will be very important as he develops into a full fledged teenager! Granted, he doesn't have to SHOW me everything as he grows LOL, but I'm glad he's not ashamed of being different from other kids his age. I do try not to be so revealing about the genital area though, since he's naturally going to be curious about women's bodies. I usually try to wear underwear when he's around now. All in all, I think being so open in our household has really helped all the kids feel more comfortable with all aspects of life.

Jocelyn - posted on 07/01/2010

I don't have an issue with walking around naked, but yet again, I life model and draw and paint form the figure myself. I do what is comfortable for others. My kids are a bit not to wanting to see Mom or Dad walking around naked, but if circumstances occur where it happens off and on, like if I have to run down the hall for some reason, or am getting dressed and my son walks in to ask something, the way we treated it from early on, is that it is not a big deal, no one freaks. Too many equate nakedness with sex, and that isn't really accurate. I do what is comfortable to those around me, as everyone has their own set of what they are comfortable with and not.

Patricia - posted on 07/01/2010

I'm a 60 year old grandmother. I have a son & a daughter. When they were small they saw both mom & dad, dress & bathing. I remember my son seeing me at probably 5 or 6 years old...but not when he was say 10. I think you should just leave well enough alone and when it become uncomfortable stop it. That is what I did and " it was no big deal". I don't even remember how old he was when he stopped coming in.

Hazel - posted on 07/01/2010

I dont have a clue coz to be honest he is ur child ur his mum he can c u naked wenever,thats my opinion anyway! i dnt think its right if u start feeling awkward being naked in front of ur own child! xx

Veronica - posted on 06/30/2010

I'm 25 and was recently visiting my parents and my mom was walking between the bathroom and bedroom post-shower air drying.
It isn't a big deal. I'm the youngest of three girls, and the only reason ANYONE got privacy in the bathroom is because my dad needed some respite from the estrogen (haha). When I became old enough to ask questions, they were answered with appropriate terms etc, but nudity was never a big deal until puberty (If you are old enough to need a bra, you wear one if you aren't in bed or alone. etc.)

Now, I have toddlers follow me into the bathroom so often, that I have two choices- let them in, or lock the door and endure constant knocking/crying/questions through the door. I have no privacy. It happens.

Sherri - posted on 06/30/2010

Why do people say the same sex can see each other naked but not the opposite sex? I find that peculiar.

Linda - posted on 06/30/2010

I would suggest that when they can stand on the floor of the tub and their face is at your crotch level, you stop showering with them. As they get older, they need to know that they need to cover their private parts. I let the children run naked around the house after their bath until they are about 4-5 years old.

Heather - posted on 06/30/2010

Non-issue! I love being naked too. Like Lisa posted, it will be an issue if you make it one.



We have sauna together once a week, and I expect that it will be our son that decides when enough is enough.



When we visit MIL sometimes there is a men's and ladies sauna turn, other times he goes with his grandmother and we parents can have a quiet sauna. What ever feels right for you.



In the meantime, enjoy your naked time!

Jennifer - posted on 06/29/2010

I don't think there's anything wrong with being naked in front of your children - it's natural and they will let you know when they're at an age that they don't feel comfortable with it. I bathe with my son, sometimes my husband does and I'll probably stop that when he's confidently sitting up in the bath basically because it's easier for me if I don't go in with him. I still see my mam semi-naked when we're out shopping for clothes! I think once you have a family you can't have your privacy all the time.

Juantiki - posted on 06/29/2010

I agree..... I thinks harmless

Lyndsay - posted on 06/29/2010

My son is almost 3 and he just noticed that him and daddy have the same privates, but I don't. I explained to him that its because mommy is a girl, and Aaron and daddy are boys, and left it at that. I'm making an effort to start a thing about privacy now that hes noticed that, but hes accustomed to letting himself into the washroom while I'm going or barging in my room when I'm getting dressed so its going to be a struggle, I'm sure.

All in all, I think it depends on your own comfort level. When I was growing up, my younger brother and sister walked around in their undies until they were like 10-11. To me, thats just wierd! I don't want to encourage that in my home, I really have no desire to see a pre-teen in their underpants.

Sarah - posted on 06/29/2010

I've worked in domestic violence and rape crisis, so i have had a LOT of contct with child services. I can only speak for my area, but IME it takes a whole lot more than your kid seeing you naked for a parent to get into trouble. That being said, there are cases where overzealous mandatory reporters make a report on a parent for something ridiculous. They are human and make mistakes too, and frankly, i'd rather have them make reports when everything is ok than to not make a report and have something truly be wrong. if you are not abusing your child, the likelihood of being reported as such is very, very slim.

Cassie - posted on 06/29/2010

I wish I had seen your question before I asked mine :O) I had the same question this morning while taking a shower with my little guy. He'll be two in Aug :O) And I tend to run around not so dressed either :O) I compleatly agree with the "nudity is a problem when you make it a problem" But like the others said I worry at what point Child Services would step in and take my son because he saw me naked?? There is so many different oppinions out there. But it all boils down to what child services thinks. I haven't had the nerve to call and ask them that yet.... Is that something that's even safe to bring up to child services?? My son goes to Daycare so if one of his care givers thinks it's inapropriate then it will turn into an issue.

Sarah - posted on 06/29/2010

i can't imagine it being an issue for my little girl- my mom still dresses and undresses in front of me. and as for her dad, well, again- my dad still walks around in his tightie whities and i'm pushing 30. (although not if i got to visit with my husband- i guess he knows the hubby would die laughing at him). it really does depend on the family, i have friends who would die if their kids saw them naked where as it's a non-issue for us.
i agree with whomever said at some point your kids stop walking in on you! LOL

Lisbeth - posted on 06/29/2010

yeah I wouldn't worry too much about your child saying inappropriate things in public b/c it is going to happen no matter what kids always say the darnedest things. I used to take care of a little boy and one day out of no were when we were with about five other nannies and like 6 other kids he looked at me and he said " you hoe" mind you he was a whole of three years old and didn't know what he was saying he got it off the jim carry version of the cat and the hat. So kids will say things and most normal ppl will just pass it off as kids saying things.

Jeannette - posted on 06/29/2010

Thanks everybody for their input. I do agree that it is everybody's own family choice, or when it starts to feel weird. LOL But like Louise said, if your child says something, some people could take it the wrong way, and that is something I worry about. I remember seeing a Lifetime movie, about a mom and her friend (a woman) who were seen half dressed in a picture with the mom's nude 3 or 4 year old daughter (it was innocent) and that was blown way out of proportion. Of course I know that was a movie, but you never know.

Lucy - posted on 06/29/2010

I don't have a problem with nudity at all, what ever age the kids might be at.

I still see my Mum and sister nude if they are staying over and going to the shower, or if we are shopping and sharing a changing room etc,

Sure, I don't just dance around naked for the hell of it, but I'm also not going to go around my own house all wrapped up just in case a family member should see me!

I friend of mine was brought up by naturists who were ALWAYS nude at home, and went on holidays to naturist resorts with other like minded people. Not my cup of tea, but the friend concerned is a happy well rounded individual and has not been scarred for life by her childhood!

It is perfectly possible to teach children about personal safety, their own and others body parts, privacy and modesty when it is appropriate, without getting too uptight about it.

Nikki - posted on 06/29/2010

i thinks it differnt for girls and boys my daughter is 5 and she always sees me naked i think sons would be more embarresed and will tell u to put it away : )

Jodi - posted on 06/29/2010

"I'll have no problem shutting him out of my room for half an hour while I shower and get dressed!"

Half an hour? Wow, you live in luxury, LOL.....around here I have to race through it and am lucky to get 15 minutes in the morning, somewhere between ironing school uniforms, getting breakfast for the kids and cutting lunches....*sigh*

One reason I LOVE school holidays - more time for ME to enjoy a nice long bath while I send the kids out in the backyard to play!! (BTW my kids ARE older, so it isn't abuse to send them outside on their own, LOL)

Andrea - posted on 06/29/2010

I think till you becomes uncomfortable for you. I take baths with my 10 month old and when ever I take a shower she is usually in the bathroom with me. She is almost alway in the room when I change mainly because she goes to whatever room I go in she isnt old enough to leave in another room while I shut the door to change. My older kids still think it ok to come in the bathroom when I'm goinjg potty or taking a shower. I dont prefer it but I'm not going to freak out about it. I just try to get them to understand the concept of privacy and when a door is shut you always knock. Their kids so yjeu only listen so well lol. My two boys prefer to sleep in there underwear and most mornings walk around the house in just there little boxers briefs. It to funny when someone knocks on the door they go running for clothes.

Becky - posted on 06/29/2010

My oldest is 2 1/2 and he still sees me naked. At this point, he likes to be in the same room as I'm in most of the time - and I'm not crazy about letting him have the run of the house while I'm in the shower either - so he's usually in my room while I'm showering. And since we have an open ensuite and a see-through glass shower... He hasn't figured out yet that I don't have a penis. In fact, one day he said, "there's mommy's penis." and when I told him I didn't have a penis, he insisted I did! LOL! I'm also breastfeeding his baby brother, and I'm not shy about it, so he sees my breasts quite regularly. And enjoys pointing out "mommy's boobies." (thank goodness he never does it in public!) I think when he starts to become uncomfortable with it, that is when we will stop. Or else, when he enters school, if we haven't stopped by that time. By then, I'll have no problem shutting him out of my room for half an hour while I shower and get dressed!

Aiyana - posted on 06/28/2010

I have a boy 9, girl 7, boy 5, girl 4, boy 1. What's modesty?! LOL...all of my kids except for my oldest boy still take a shower with me. The boys take a shower with there dad sometimes, and all the kids take a bath together, with the exception of my oldest. He does not bathe with my oldest girl anymore, but he will help me give the little ones a shower sometimes, when he turned 7yrs we decided it was not appropriate and he needed to practice a little more modesty. Now that my oldest girl is 7yrs it's time for her to start practicing the same. as far as the little ones go it is not a big deal, and we don't make a big deal out of family nudity.

Sharon - posted on 06/28/2010

I stopped being naked with my first when he started walking.

My daughter is 7 and still sees me naked.

Shannon - posted on 06/28/2010

For the opposite gender, I'd say 3 yrs old or so.. For same... forever. I remember seeing my mom naked when I was well into my teens.. Wasn't a big deal. But, not my dad.. LOL

Firebird - posted on 06/28/2010

My daughter's 5 and she still comes in the shower with me. We weren't born wearing clothes, there's no shame in being nude.

Amanda - posted on 06/28/2010

My daughter is 13 months and we bath, shower and pee together. I can't seem to evade the child for more than a second. She was breastfed but now I pump and bottle feed her so she's always seen me in some state of nudeness. Even my step son (who is 23, same age as I am) has walked in on me naked more than once and it doesn't bother either of us. I think when ever you and/or your child become uncomfortable then it's probably time to be a little more modest. Like the other moms have said, it's only a big deal if you make it one.

Sherri - posted on 06/28/2010

Ummmm until you dont' feel comfortable anymore. My kids still see me naked and they are 13, 11 & 4 (all boys). My 4 yr old still showers with me. We live in a very small house with 5 people and 1 bathroom so I shower with them in the bathroom, get dressed with them usually around although I do try and least turn around. Everytime I use the bathroom you can be sure someone is always walking in.

Sylvia - posted on 06/28/2010

My 7-year-old still sees me and DH naked pretty regularly. Frankly, when you have 3 people living in an 800-square-foot flat, the odds that no one will ever see anyone else naked are slim to none. When it starts bothering her, then we'll start being more careful, I guess.

Jodi - posted on 06/28/2010

Oh, and just for the record, my son is now 12, and I have still been known to walk in the hall to go an get something, just in knickers and a bra......

Jodi - posted on 06/28/2010

My daughter is 5 and she still sits in the bathrooms sometimes while I have a shower. Up until she was about 4, she would shower with myself or her dad. My son used to shower with me untill he was about 3 or 4, but I would still walk around at least partially naked until he was probably 5 or 6. I actually don't see the big deal :)

Joanna - posted on 06/28/2010

I think it depends on the family's overall view on nudity, and also added to that the child themselves... some children are shyer than others, some are more aware of differences in body parts at different ages than others. My 2 1/2 year old bathes with me sometimes and showers with her dad sometimes. She knows that I have boobs and she has boobs but daddy doesn't. And every time she sees my husband's package she says "dada's... butt?" She knows it's not like hers. She's aware. But it's not a big deal to her. I have a feeling once she starts preschool and starts talking more my husband will probably stop showering with her, maybe for his sake as much as hers, but I have no problem with her seeing me naked, no matter what age. My mom kind of hid herself from me growing up, the couple times I accidentally saw her naked she covered right away and seemed embarassed. It didn't do so good for body image issues I myself was going through. So I don't want my daughter to fear her body, so I won't hide mine from her and will answer any and all questions she has growing up.

Teresa - posted on 06/28/2010

My 8 year old girls see me naked. My 2 year old son still showers w/ me a lot. Whatever age it becomes awkward and uncomfortable for either the parent or child is the time to stop, but not to freak if it happens by accident. Nothing wrong w/ the naked body, just the attitudes and hang ups that tend to go w/ it.

Stina - posted on 06/28/2010

Every family has different comfort levels for this.

With me, I started asking for more privacy from my son when he was about 4. Pretty sure I stopped showering with him around 3 or so. Every now and then he'll open my bedroom door while I'm getting dressed and I don't make a huge deal about it- just ask him nicely to please give me some privacy while I'm getting dressed, I'll be out in a minute.

Our younger two are both girls and I still shower occasionally with my 3 1/2 yo. The baby gets most of her baths by showering with me. I'm definitely more comfortable with my girls seeing me naked than my son. I guess it's b/c we all have the same parts.

I BF the baby so my son sees my breasts a lot. I hope that he'll grow up understanding that breasts are for feeding babies and nothing to make a huge deal about.

Tara - posted on 06/28/2010

LOL!!!
I don't think there is really an age when you stop letting your children see you naked, there is an age when they stop looking at your nakedness!!
Being nude isn't something we frown upon in our family. Being nude inside in the presence of family is no big deal, it's not like we watch tv in the buff, but we do walk to and from the shower naked, I shower with my 7 month old baby boy and with my 5 year old daughter, I change clothes in front of my older kids if they happen to be there when I'm changing. We also go to the pool and change in the family area, where everyone is in some state of nakedness.
I think giving the impression that there is something wrong with being naked is a bad message to send to kids of any age. Teaching appropriate nakedness is good, we teach our kids modesty outside the home or when there are other people here, but their bodies are not shameful.
My 3 little girls go for a nude swim in our pool every night before bed, sometimes with me in there too!!
hubby is a little more careful, he covers that spot with his hand when he goes from room to room, but if they happen to see his "little man" lol it's not big deal. We were born naked so what's the big deal?????
Oh, we're planning a summer vacation to a resort that has a "clothing optional" beach!!
:)Tara

Jennifer - posted on 06/28/2010

Me and my daugther bath and shower together and everything - she always points out mine and her body parts -big deal - she needs to learn - she is almost 2. I won't have an issue with her seeing me naked for a long time. I might with my son I don't know - but prob not til he is 3 or 4 - right now he is only 3 months. But it is good for them to know some things about the human body early I think so they don't abuse it - I think u will just know when they should not see u naked no more from what they say or do. Oh and my husband refuses to be naked around daughter but he will in front of son.

Lisbeth - posted on 06/28/2010

yeah I don't see it as a problem at all it is only a problem if you make it one. they will start wanting their own privacy around the age of 5-6 ish that is when you can explain that you would like some privacy too.

Louise - posted on 06/28/2010

I don't see anything wrong with this at the moment but I would suggest that before your child goes to playgroup you stop because an innocent comment can lead you into a lot of trouble. There are some weird people out there.

Tracy - posted on 06/28/2010

When my son was about 3 or 4 I stopped walking around naked in front of him. Now that he's almost 9, I prefer to not let him see me in my skivvies too. I'm all about personal space and respecting one another's privacy. He appreciates it, since he and his sister get no privacy at his father's house.

Tisha - posted on 06/28/2010

It is healthy for them to notice the differences between male and female. In childcare that is a milestone that is looked for. (Not that they know that boys have a penis and girls have a vagina) but that they can tell you how they know someone is a girl or boy. However, I never had a problem bathing with my daughter but when my son came along it did seem a little weird. I stopped letting him see me naked the day he asked me why I had hair down there! He was about 3 or so. Now, I try to avoid even letting him see me in my bra and panties. He seems to be a little uncomfortable with my boobs (which is funny b/c he was breastfed)! If I am wearing a low cut shirt or if the front of my shirt gets pulled down or something he is quick to point out that my boobs are about to show and that I need to pull my shirt up. He has even come over and pulled it up for me! So I am with the moms that said when they start noticing differences. And I too was someone who always wore as little clothes as possible! It's a habit in this Florida heat!

Kathy - posted on 06/28/2010

My kids are 14 (girl) and 7 (boy) and they still see me naked. I never get privacy1 They leave their Dad alone but for some reason it is free-for-all with Mom. We started teaching them "modesty" around the age of 4 since they both went through the naked stage. Joey though still doesn't mind being naked. BOYS It is a peronsal choice. Do what you feel comfortable with.

Amy - posted on 06/28/2010

I don't get any privacy in my house, my son is 4. If I'm lucky I can sneak into the bathroom and get two minutes to pee in silence but that's on a really good day! A shower without him barging in the bathroom is like a day at the spa! I agree with Lisa it's only an issue if you make it am issue. Oh my son noticed his sister didn't have a penis the first time he watched me give her a bath so he'll realize there are differences at some point even if you try to shield him!

Ashley - posted on 06/28/2010

I think when they get old enough to start noticing body parts & know what they are, then it's time to cut out the nudity! Haha. My son is 17months old, I've showered/bathed with him a few times, but I've always felt kinda funny about it...but I don't see anything wrong with it until they start learning the anatomy & realize there's a 'difference' between him & mommy! But whatever floats your boat! Just my opinion! :o)

Minnie - posted on 06/28/2010

Family nudity only is an issue when someone makes it one.

Krista - posted on 06/28/2010

I don't intend to freak out and slam the door in his face if he does see me naked, but I will probably stop with the casual nudity once he's three or so. Right now it's impossible to avoid having him see me nude -- the kid crawls in and tries to get on my lap when I'm having a s**t.

Tiffany - posted on 07/01/2010

I don't think there's a problem with walking around naked at any age until someone starts to feel uncomfortable with it. I grew up with a mom that wasn't secret about nudity, and my sister (just a few years younger than me) hated nudity. I didn't care one way or the other. Still don't. We just told her not to look at us if we walked by naked LOL! Now, I'm still not bothered by nudity. It's not a big deal until someone makes it one. Actually, my 11yr old son who is going through puberty a little early has come up to me a couple of times stating "Look how big it's getting!" Haha!! He asks me questions about new developments on his body and what to do about them. I think it's great that he's so open & talkative with me, because that means he trusts me and that will be very important as he develops into a full fledged teenager! Granted, he doesn't have to SHOW me everything as he grows LOL, but I'm glad he's not ashamed of being different from other kids his age. I do try not to be so revealing about the genital area though, since he's naturally going to be curious about women's bodies. I usually try to wear underwear when he's around now. All in all, I think being so open in our household has really helped all the kids feel more comfortable with all aspects of life.

Jocelyn - posted on 07/01/2010

I don't have an issue with walking around naked, but yet again, I life model and draw and paint form the figure myself. I do what is comfortable for others. My kids are a bit not to wanting to see Mom or Dad walking around naked, but if circumstances occur where it happens off and on, like if I have to run down the hall for some reason, or am getting dressed and my son walks in to ask something, the way we treated it from early on, is that it is not a big deal, no one freaks. Too many equate nakedness with sex, and that isn't really accurate. I do what is comfortable to those around me, as everyone has their own set of what they are comfortable with and not.