Is It Time for You to Put Clothes On Around the House?
When is it time to put those babyfeeders away?
Listen, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been made fun of by more than one long-time associate over my penchant for walking around my house naked. My mother always walked around naked when I was a kid (tho thankfully my father never did), and I know I’m not alone. I can think of a few comedians with stories about seeing more of their parents than they wanted to whilst growing up. Seeing your parents naked can be jarring, it can be scarring, but is it inappropriate? Experts have mixed feelings about letting it all hang out in front of the kids.
Carolyn Drebin at Mommyish writes:
When my first son was born, I pretty much spent a year with my tits out. After all, a kid’s gotta eat, right? And when sons number two and three arrived, each one got their year on the boob. Being topless, or completely naked, in front of my sons didn’t strike me as anything other than natural – and comfortable. Penises were penises, vaginas were vaginas and only breasts had alternative names (see above).
She says, tho, not everyone feels as comfortable in the skin they’re in as she and I do, and some pediatricians suggest that there should be no open nudity in the house by the time our kids are in kindergarten. Famed sexpert Dr. Ruth says we have more time before we need to keep ourselves covered, til our kids hit puberty. I won’t say I never wonder if it’s okay for me to be naked in front of my daughter, because she’s still obsessed with my boobs, but I try not to make a big deal about it. Since we haven’t lived together in two years, I don’t really know if her father walks around naked in front of her or not, but at this point I sort of hope not. I know making a penis a big deal is probably not a good idea either, but for some reason I’m more comfortable working with the locker room theory that there’s less shame involved when exposed private bits are the same.
So what about you? Do you walk around naked in front of your kids? Have your kids ever complained about it or suggested that they could use some privacy?
Although my kids are long since gone, nudity around the house was the norm. We were members of family naturist groups for three years, where all recreational activities were done in the nude. There were no problems or complaints. It was just accepted. I believe children need to grow up understanding the differences between men and women and should not be ashamed of their differences, nor feel that the children will be harmed in any way. I think nudity around the house is a good idea, but let everyone make their own decision.
It’s time to stop when someone is uncomfortable.
I grew up in a naked house, and I’m grateful. I’m glad I’m not uptight about my body. It makes a lot of life – from doctor visits to camping to having a baby and toddler – happier and easier.
The idea that I might have to start putting clothes on at home someday makes me sad. (P.S. My daughter is also completely obsessed with my boobs, glad to know I’m not alone.) I actually had this conversation with a friend recently about when we need to stop sleeping naked and I’ve decided that for sure will never stop… I can buy that I may need to put clothes on in the living room but if you’re old enough to be uncomfortable seeing mommy naked you’re old enough to knock before coming into our room. End of story.
Jenna – I’m glad I’m not alone, either! And I agree about the knocking/clothing age thing.
Americans have a collective sickness regarding nudity (at home or otherwise). It should be a crime to teach a child body shame. Unashamed nudity in the home should be accepted as the most natural thing a family can do.
Let’s cure Americans of their fear of nudity and accept our bodies as shameless gifts from God (God created us; which parts of our bodies do you suppose He is ashamed of?).
Girls, free yourselves and be nude and free…often!
Cheryl (a nudist multiple amputee)
I’m cold just reading about this.
Around the house my family was very modest. The only time I ever saw a family member nude was when when I went with my older cousins (both boys), to the pool, which my mom didn’t have a problem with even though at home everybody covered up. I remember her asking me if I had any ‘questions’. I think she was curious what impression it made on me, but she was not in favor of me going alone into the girls changing room till I was 8.
Honestly, being shocked by nudity is just for weak-minded and weak-willed people. Everyone has genitals, and half the world has the opposite genitals as you. If you have a problem with nudity you are by definition a pervert, because it means you view the body sexually when it is not. Even after puberty or whatever who cares, you should be able to resist sexual thoughts when not appropriate otherwise you’re just weak-minded. There’s no sexuality between family members, and like people mention it is possibly gross but certainly no chance of sexual attraction between parents and children. If you think there is, then you shouldn’t have children as you are a danger to them.
so, im pretty sure I agree with Jenna, i will always sleep naked/change in my room & if they come in, it’s on them. As far as around the house goes, i guess if it gets uncomfortable for me or them I’ll stop. I’m not a prude, but im not a nudist either. & Julian, to say the body is not a sexual thing is ridiculous! Of course not a child’s, but there is a reason adults like to look at naked people to get aroused. The body is beautiful & it doesn’t have to lead to arousal, but sometimes it does.
Having personal boundaries about when, where, and in front of whom one feels comfortable being naked does not automatically equate with shame and shock at naked bodies. I’m just saying.