How Old is Too Old for Nudity?

[momof6innc]

True, Europeans have a different attitude. When I was a baby, we lived in Greece, and my mom tells me that she was so proud of the cute bathing suit she found for me, only to have locals stare and think I had a skin disease because the bathing suit must be covering something!

As for me, and American, I wouldn't do that to my children. I have changed a preschooler on a beach before, but behind a towel. Definitely no playing naked with the fish in the ocean. It is definitely appropriate in certain areas of the world (we also lived in Germany and that was the norm at the lake nearby, no big dea), but I don't think that's appropriate at Castaway Cay.

If my older kids saw that, they'd wonder why the parents didn't have more common sense in public, but that would be it as far as our family's reaction to someone else rinsing their kids off naked. They'd probably say they felt sorry for the kids, but that would be it.

Anyway, that's our family opinion. Our family, kids and adults alike, might disapprove and discuss it amongst ourselves, but seeing that is nothing that would make me run to a Castmember demanding they cover up to protect my children. But I wouldn't expose my own children like that.

 

[momof6innc]

OH, and I'd also NEVER buy a thong bikini, let alone actually pack it and wear it to the Mickey Pool! But then again, part of the fun of the cruise is to see others and what others consider "normal attire". And we've seen some doozies! Although I don't recall seeing princessdaisy's hairy back-man story from December at the Mickey pool, thank goodness!

 

[eph94]

I'm probably in the minority here, but I think it's fine for any kid not yet capable of adequately rinsing themselves off without assistance. The kids were just being cleaned up at the shower. Now if the dad toted them around the beach all day flaunting them then that would be a different story. I'll all for modesty, but I'm willing to give small allowances for the sake of convenience.

 

[inkkognito]

BTW, just a quick clarification of why this disturbed me. We are not at all prudish about nudity in my household. If you want a good laugh, read these two entries in my blog about my visit to a nudist colony near Disney World, although I was not naked myself: http://celebrationfl.blogspot.com/2005_10_22_archive.html and http://celebrationfl.blogspot.com/2006_10_23_archive.html

The disturbing thing for me was the idea of perverts or pedophiles who might be amongst the crowd. Disney attracts some great people, but I also worry that it might attract the wrong sort since they would know that they'd be around children.

 

[mmouse37]

I would not parade my kids in the nude all the around the beach at that age but for a quick showering off after a sandy beach day...no big deal. As a mom of 3 I found it much easier to rinse sand off if they were naked then trying to rinse sand out of a bathing suit. We all hate that feeling of sand in our bathing suits while walking back to the ship!!!

 

[Mustlovedogs]

I have less of a problem with a naked 4 yo than a thong at WDW. The thong is better in the Carribean, France or a nude beach, but it's just icky with Mickey!

 

[eph94]

OH, and I'd also NEVER buy a thong bikini, let alone actually pack it and wear it to the Mickey Pool! But then again, part of the fun of the cruise is to see others and what others consider "normal attire". And we've seen some doozies!

How about this one I saw at the Mickey Pool last month... It looked to be a very conservative black one-piece bathing suit. At first glance, I thought nothing of it. Then I realized that that material became sheer "down south" which strategically displayed Brazilian wax and a tattoo. In hindsight, I wish I got a better look at the tattoo, because maybe it was something witty. However, I couldn't get myself to look long enough to figure it out. I still can't believe that that kind of bathing suit is even manufactured!!

 

[cruisinluver]

The disturbing thing for me was the idea of perverts or pedophiles who might be amongst the crowd. Disney attracts some great people, but I also worry that it might attract the wrong sort since they would know that they'd be around children.

I think DCL already attracts perverts and pedophiles. It doesn't matter whether the children are clothed or not.

 

[eph94]

BTW, just a quick clarification of why this disturbed me. We are not at all prudish about nudity in my household. If you want a good laugh, read these two entries in my blog about my visit to a nudist colony near Disney World, although I was not naked myself: http://celebrationfl.blogspot.com/2005_10_22_archive.html and http://celebrationfl.blogspot.com/2006_10_23_archive.html

I know this is a bit off-topic, but I just read those blogs and I need to say that you are one hilarious person. The blurb on coiffures had me in stitches. I always expected those nudist places to be more "naturalist" with poor grooming all around. But now that I think about it, that is the only way for people to individualize their look.

 

[pppiglet]

Since I teach 3 yr olds in Sunday school and know how old they seem some times, I think it's too old to be naked in public. I'd say 2 and under ok to rinse at the beach in the open. JMO

 

[jsheridan]

I guess I don't see the big deal either. I wouldn't let my 3 year old son run around nude all day on the beach, but for a quick rinse - who cares? We can't worry all day long about perverts & pedophiles. All we can do is watch our children as carefully as possible. My bet is that if there were some freak around, they would probably be just as interested in a child in a bathing suit running around. We just can't let that be our focus.

To me it is a like car accidents. Yes, they happen (I should know - I am an insurance broker!), but we can't not get in cars ever due to fear. And car accidents are more likely to occur than these other things...

 

[Gixer]

I always have a problem understanding what Americas big problem with nudity is?
Its a kid for heavens sake - I wouldnt have even noticed that they didnt have any clothes on - how sad and what a terrible reflection on what society has become that people would find it intolerable to see a 4 year old pre schooler being showered off by their father after a magical family day at the beach.

 

[flipflop]

You are all making me rethink the thong I purchased for our next trip.

Maybe I should try to find one of those not-so-conservative one pieces instead!

 

[jodifla]

I guess I don't see the big deal either. I wouldn't let my 3 year old son run around nude all day on the beach, but for a quick rinse - who cares? We can't worry all day long about perverts & pedophiles. All we can do is watch our children as carefully as possible. My bet is that if there were some freak around, they would probably be just as interested in a child in a bathing suit running around. We just can't let that be our focus.

To me it is a like car accidents. Yes, they happen (I should know - I am an insurance broker!), but we can't not get in cars ever due to fear. And car accidents are more likely to occur than these other things...

Really! Much ado about nothing.

 

[inkkognito]

I know this is a bit off-topic, but I just read those blogs and I need to say that you are one hilarious person. The blurb on coiffures had me in stitches. I always expected those nudist places to be more "naturalist" with poor grooming all around. But now that I think about it, that is the only way for people to individualize their look.

The coiffures are nothing compared to the piercings!! And I love the hats with pockets (after all, where else do you carry things when you are au natural?!).

How humourous that I have been labeled as "intolerant" of nudity when when I thought I clearly stated that my concern was other people with less-than-healthy intentions vs. being personally offended by the kids. Yes, that's me, Ms. Intolerance!! The blog is all a lie...I really just visited the nudist camp to run around yelling, "Get some clothes on, you offensive bunch of nudies!! I refuse to tolerate those nasty birthday suits!!"

 

[jonesing]

True, Europeans have a different attitude. When I was a baby, we lived in Greece, and my mom tells me that she was so proud of the cute bathing suit she found for me, only to have locals stare and think I had a skin disease because the bathing suit must be covering something!

DS is almost 2 and loves to be nude whenever possible! He'll start to strip on the spot at the mention of B - A - T - H Hopefully that will last when he gets older and we don't have to fight him to take a bath.

Anyway, when we were in Jamaica and St. Lucia for vacation I noticed a German and British family respectively allowed their small kids to run around the beach and play in the ocean without a suit. The oldest was 5 or so. The only people seemingly put off by this was an American family and I think that's because their 4 year old wanted to swim nude as well Finally the dad said WTH and the kids all played and swam together...but clearly, the American mom was still a little agitated.

 

[Eeyore1928]

After a few trips to St Martin we have noticed a HUGE difference in the attitude of Americans vs any other country when it comes to our bodies.

Our daughter was 3 on our last visit and she wears a sun suit when we visit the beach ( any beach). although as soon as the sun begins to set...she would take it off and play with the other kids there in all her shiny hiney glory!

I see nothing wrong with that. Now that she is 4...she has noticed the difference between boys and girls. We just tell her yes boys are different. She always says oh..okay, and that is it. We will no longer take her to St Martin, not because of the nudity for us, but for the fact that we live in the Bible Belt and the people here are VERY close minded. If she even mentioned about swimming or playing suitless, she would be looked at differently. So inprotection of her from the poeple here, we will not be able to go back. Very unfortunate for us, as these were some of the best trips ever. It is very sad that we make our children feel that nudity is wrong and disgusting, when we should teach them they are beautiful with or without clothing.

Yes there are some VERY disgusting and sick people out there. As parents we need to be aware of that, but I will not let that dictate my life or my vacations.

Sorry so long...

 

[jhannah]

I don't have a problem at all with a quick rinse-off of a toddler. No biggie. But I do have a problem with adults who are exhibitionists. I've heard all the excuses and reasonings ... but bottom line is that they're exhibitionists. If they think they're "sexy" flapping in the breeze then they're simply delusional. JMO.

 

[Michelle2]

I was sitting at the Goofy pool waiting for the ice sculpture guy to start his little show on the stage, and it was a sea day so it was really crowded up there by the pools. We were sitting at a table right behind the beach chairs by the gazebos on both sides of the stage. All of a sudden a lady starts stripping down her daughter (out of her swimsuit) who had to be at least 8 or 9--who knows she could have been 10. Now it wasn't just changing, I am not offended by kids' nudity (especially with a convenient quick change), but this little girl stayed buck naked in a VERY crowded place for at least 10 minutes or longer. She was standing up on the chairs, she was running and walking all around the area...completely naked.

I wasn't offended, it was just a kid, but I did feel awkward. I kept wondering when the mom would finally get some clothes on her!!! I remember feeling that way due to all the people around and the length of time, and the age.
So in my opinion, I thought this situation was too old to be naked in public. But I am pretty modest person.

 

[eph94]

Finally the dad said WTH and...

I thought this story was going to end sooo differently!