I have a granddaughter that just turned 6. She likes to run around the house and play in just her panties, no shirt, saying she wants to be "naked baby". Do you think she is too old for this, or am I just being old-fashioned? I would at least put some type of undershirt, t-shirt on her as I did to her mom. Her mom and dad don't seem phased by it, and neither did I until now. Am I over-reacting? She is a very well mannered, well behaved little girl and when she WAS a baby it didn't phase me. Now all of a sudden it bothers me.
Thank you so much to everyone that answered me. Great responses and I feel much better about it now. By the way, I never did mention it to my daughter or anyone else yet. I wasn't sure I should for some of the reasons you all mentioned, like making her feel ashamed when it wasn't necessary. Believe me, when she goes out she dresses up like a little lady, always in dresses. Very prissy. LOL So, like I said, guess I just worry too much. Once again, thanks everybody! First time I've used this site and I really like it.
I have a 9 year old that won't stay in her clothes! Her biggest complaint is she's too hot. She runs warm -- and even at night she's hot and sleeps with an ice pack most of the time. She's never been one for keeping on her clothes either. As long as I'm not expecting company, it's fine with me. And when someone knocks on the door she typically runs to put on at least some form of clothing!
Hi T.,
With the world the way it is today, I think we over-sexualize children. We worry about pedophiles and things like that, so we see natural childlike behavious as being immodest, and they make us uncomfortable.
In short, if she's just doing this at home, I wouldn't worry at all and just let her enjoy a little "freedom". If you do make a big deal out of it, you may start to make her feel shame which could interfere with her normal sexual development.
My daughter turned 5 and the other day she had panties and a shirt on, that is ok. I make sure hte curtains are closed and she just plays. She does dress up too, so that is mixed in there alittle bit too. But i only do this if no else is coming over. If my mom was to visit, i would tell her no. Just her and me are home.
I have an 8 and 5 year old that strip out of their clothes every time they get a chance. Once my oldest daughter starts to develop, she will most likely cover up without me having to tell her since this is when they get self-concious about their bodies and all. I was the same way when I was growing up and once I hit puberty I covered up. I also know many other kids that do the same.
I don't let my 6 year old daughter do that. We had her start being more private about dressing an going potty when she was 4. No more changing in front of daddy, now she does it in her room with the door shut, and always has on a shirt and bottoms, or a nightgown, or dress, etc. She does not show her undies to anyone, except mom when she needs help with some tricky clothes, or has a rash or other problem in that area.
It's only so long that children truly enjoy their bodies with no sense of shame so I say as long as she's somewhere safe, like her home or your house, than it's all good. She'll grow out of it eventually, I spent the better part of my childhood scantily clad (or completely naked) but as my body started to develop I covered up. Since you do want her to be safe maybe a talk (probably best coming from mom and dad if they haven't already) about appropriate nudity, i.e. not in front of guests or strangers, wouldn't be out of line.
As long as she's in the privacy of her home, I see nothing wrong with this. All of my nephews are that way. When my sisters and I were young, we rarely wore clothes. We knew that if we were to venture out, we were to be dressed appropriately. We all turned out fine. As she develops later on she will want to wear clothes. Also, when it's cold, she'll want to be warm. Try not to worry- kids do weird things!!!
Oh gosh, your post made me laugh... because my 5 year old does the exact same thing!
I don't think it's a problem, really. As long as it's just at home, that is. Obviously, being a naked baby at Chuck E Cheese or at school is not okay.
She will eventually become more modest (I see modesty taking hold in my 7 year old now), and the phase will end. Making an issue out of it will likely just prolong the phase.
If she's still doing it when she gets married, then it will be her husband's problem, and not yours or your daughters. ;)
This too shall pass.
My five year old daughter does that, as well. lol. I am okay with it when it's just family in the house, and if there is someone coming over I just tell her she needs to put on something because there are people coming. She doesn't give me a problem with that, so that's fine. I wouldn't worry about it. She'll grow out of it.
