5 Yr Old Doesnt Want to Wear Underwear

Updated on June 09, 2012
J.D. asks from Mount Laurel, NJ
12 answers

My 5 yr old lately has not been putting on her underwear when she gets dressed she is going naked under her clothes.
I have asked her to put on her underwear and she does but as soon as im not looking she takes them off.
She even does it when shes wearing dresses.
What should I do and is this normal?
Shes out of school and when she was in school I would force her to put underpants on before she left the house but it seems like she doesnt want to wear them anymore and i have asked why and she tells me she likes to be naked underneath.

What can I do next?

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R.Z.

answers from Chicago on

I think every one gave great suggestions on getting a different style to try. Maybe she doesn't like it in the crease of her leg, so maybe a boy short style underwear...I think they make them for little kids too. If that doesn't work, maybe try getting cotton (no spandex, only cotton) for her to wear instead, so that way you are compromising with the no underwear but can feel more comfortable that she has something on.

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T.M.

answers from Redding on

hahaha.
I don't wear underwear either.
BUT, at school, depending on what she's wearing, it's a must.
I was a noon aide for awhile, omg, what a crazy job that was!
One day on the playground several kids came running to me to tell me "teacher, teacher, Amy doesnt have any underwear on!".
Well, the little girl was a 2nd grader, was wearing a dress, was playing on the bars and had no panties on. I wasn't really sure what to do, it was like my first week on the job and I was raising boys and didnt have a clue as to what to do with a panti-less 7 yr old!

1 mom found this helpful

C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

My son is sensitive to the way things feel and he refused to wear underwear until this last year (when he was 7 and a half). I just let him go commando, but I didn't have the issue of skirts/dresses like you have. I'd make the rule she can only do this when wearing pants. Due to peer pressure my son finally started wearing underwear but he only likes the super soft boxer briefs from a specialty kids store. Smartknitkids makes really soft shorts style undies for girls.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

What is her reason?

I am sure, if wearing dresses, and in school, others will notice (kids and adults). Not to mention the Teacher. And you may get notified... ?

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

Well, I would tell her "no underwear...no dress". For sure. At home or at school, no dresses unless she's willing to wear underpants.

That said, some underwear is just down-right uncomfortable. I'm built like a stick and it seems like it's either riding up or slipping off. I actually wear boy's boxer briefs. I have yet to find women's underwear that are as comfy for me.

I would check into getting her different undies. At 5, even just around the house, she needs to wear them with dresses or skirts. Try to find out what bugs her. Is it the seams at the legs? The seams at the crotch? The waist band?

My little sister went through a phase of not wanting to wear underwear at night with her nightgowns and she often wanted to sleep with me, which was fine, but I wouldn't let her unless she had panties on. As a little kid, I just thought it was so gross not to have underwear on. Now as an adult, sleeping without underwear doesn't seem so weird, but as a child, no way would I go without panties.

Take her shopping. Try different styles and fits.

Best wishes.

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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

Honestly, it's not a battle I would fight. Some people just don't like the feel of underwear.

R.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

i'd ask if there is a certain underwear she wants to wear and take her shopping, and get them in a size bigger than what she has now.

And, as I did with my daughter, stepdaughter and granddaughter, put her in bike shorts under dresses and skirts, no ifs, ands, or buts. My stepdaughter's public school actually required them.

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G.B.

answers from Boise on

It is possible they are too small, or she has sensory issues. Try a bigger size so they fit LOOSLY.

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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

Perhaps go shopping together to find different kinds of underwear. Maybe the brands you have are uncomfortable. She needs to wear underwear under a dress, so search for the most comfortable for that.

I'm not sure why it's an issue under regular clothes, since the clothes cover her. I prefer to wear underwear, but not everyone does.

C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

maybe see if there is any special underwear she wants, (theres so many types even for kids these days). otherwise if she insists on not wearing them, maybe make her wear shorts if shes wearing a skirt or a dress.i dont think its a big deal, i reallly don't.

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T.S.

answers from Columbus on

I don't honestly blame her. Sometimes I'd like to go naked underneath! LOL Sorry I had to put some humor in there.

Well, I would say it sounds like maybe her underwear are too tight or just uncomfortable. There are so many types out there I am sure that there is one she will like. Always, always, always get cotton underwear because they allow more air in them so they are more comfortable. You may even want to get her one size up as long as they don't fall off. Just be sure to keep encouraging her to wear them and explain that mommy and daddy wear them too. It's probably just a phase but keep working with her. Good luck!

S.G.

answers from Grand Forks on

How about "Boy cut" panties?

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