Nakedness in the home
At my parent workshops, one of the most frequently asked questions is “How should I handle nakedness?” Parents want to know what the age cut off is or when the appropriate time is to stop being naked around their child.
We all have various feelings and past experiences with nakedness from our own childhoods. This can influence how we feel about it as adults with children of our own. This topic is a good one for parents to talk about early in their parenting. Every home will look a bit different.
There isn’t one “right” age or time frame that works for “every” family.
Keep in mind that children are naturally curious. They will look at bodies out of that normal curiosity and it will prompt questions. Bare bodies are not damaging for children to see. Additionally, it’s important to remember that adults sexualize nudity long before a child does.
Young children don’t see through erotic glasses like adults do.
Pay attention to your child and their verbal and non-verbal cues. Are their words or actions communicating discomfort with your nudity? For example, do they walk in on you getting out of the shower and turn their back or avert their eyes? Do they stop walking into the bathroom with you like they used to?
Initiate a simple conversation with your child. Next time you are walking around the block together or riding in the car, pose questions such as: “Are you comfortable seeing me when I don’t have my clothes on?” or “How do you feel about seeing mommy/daddy naked.”
Thinking through the questions below and discussing them with your partner will assist you in understanding each of your comfort levels with nakedness and bodies. These questions may help you open a conversation about how you will navigate nakedness in your home.
1. Am I comfortable with my child seeing my naked body?
2. Am I comfortable with my child seeing my partner's body?
3. When my child comes upon me naked, how ‘do’ I respond/react? How would I ‘like to’ respond/react?
