Would You Raise Your Children as Nudists?

[BackpackerBrian]

[FireProf]

Yes, absolutely, we would raise our children in a nudist environment........if we were able to do it over again.

Our two daughters are gone from the nest, the oldest married with two children, the youngest soon to be married....next week in fact.

We began to raise them to feel comfortable being without clothing around the home, backyard and when swimming, in the hot tube and just playing.

As they grew older they drifted away. If we had to do it over again, I would have moved us to a club where they would have been able to have friends their ages who were also nudists. We regret not pushing nudism, just a little, on our daughters and I think they do as well because we would be able to visit some of these great places together instead of going by ourselves.

They know about our nudist lifestyle and are very supportive and respectful.....at times even envious. Only time will tell if they revert back to those days when they used to run around the yard, house and swim naked. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[NudeAl]

I have done that and while most of the older ones seem to have left it behind them they aren't ashamed of their bodies. They sort of stopped going when they reached puberty. But my twenty year old just said he wouldn't mind going on this years family vacation and he knows we intend to spend a few days at some nudist resorts, so hey maybe he is comming back to it.

[Ren]

If ever I meet the right girl, I plan to raise mine to be comfortable with themselves and unashamed. I would make it a point to include it actively, but at the same time I'd never oppress them if they started to dislike it.

[Trailscout]

Finding a card-carrying nudist gal may be a tall order, but that doesn't mean that single guys should feel compelled to marry a total prude.

I meet free-spirited gals all the time. That's not the same as a nudist, but in my house, clothes are for the dead of winter and I don't see that custom changing after marriage, because of the type of ladies I form close friendships with are generally very pragmatic about nudity at least among one's family in the privacy of the home or at a secluded swimming hole. I don't know what percentage of home nudist/and discrete skinnydippers go on to enjoy regular resort/nudist park nudity, but I'm willing to take my chances.

[Ren]

Oh, I agree with that. I meant "the right girl" altogether - the one for me. I've dated "the wrong girl" enough, one of whom was actually down with nudism in principle. Right now, it's "the nonexistent girl," which of course has got to change.

(If anyone is concerned over my use of the word "girl," please let it go. It's not some sort of derogatory remark; it's how we talk in my area.)

[Tara]

I don't know if I'd raise my children as "nudists," per se, moreso I would just try to raise them to understand that nudity is ok in some settings and they can be with or without clothes if they want. Basically whatever they choose to do or not do I would let them, and I certainly wouldn't hide adult nudity (parents) from them. I'd like to imagine taking them to a nudist club/beaches or maybe an occasional c/o vacation if possible, as long as it is something they want to do as well.

While I think it is a very healthy way to raise children, especially for their body-image, I also would try to remember that what they want should be respected as well.

[jon71]

Right now I'm trying to make home nudity a little more the case. Currently it's the exception, not the rule but my wife is slowly coming around. Hopefully in the future it will be the rule to be nude and the exception to be clothed. At a minimum I don't want things to ever deteriorate to the point where anyone would be weirded out if anyone else was nude even if only going to/coming from the shower or whatever. My girl is five now and I know time is the enemy for this or anything else to be established (faith, values, health, etc.)

[DoctorSurferDude]

I'm sort of Tara with my opinion. I wouldn't want them to feel like they need to be AANR card-carying mini-nudists, but at the same time I'd want them to be comfortable in their skin so as to avoid insecurities that are attached to all that "hiding" our society thrives on.

[naturush]

My wife and I are having our first in November. She's not a nudist, but she is ok with me allowing our child to be-if he so chooses. Beaches, resorts??? If I only had the time...

[Zorro]

Absolutely I will raise my children as nudists. Of course, as they get older, should they choose not to participate, that's cool, but I want to teach them that nudity is an option.

[Sauna]

We did so. I do not speak about club membership. I'm talking about attitudes and freedom to be naked. They are now adults and they do agree our decision. Of course they have their own mind and they are free to do how they want.

[Kari P]

There isn't an applicable choice for me.

I have three children, sons 15 and 13 years, daughter 10 years. "My kids are already nudists" is near to the truth but not accurate. They swin naked at our summer home (neighbors and relatives seeing), but that's all in their nudism. They see myself almost constantly naked every day, and the boys know the name of the lifestyle (naturism). The fact that they don't sleep or otherwise be more naked is obviously based on their mother's attitudes to nudity and to me [she speaks ugly; I don't live in a happy marriage]. They don't dare to be free because they see and hear the results in daily family life. [No, it isn't based on nudity, its lack of respect and will to dominate on my wife's part. Because we are not able to compromise, I have chosen to take my freedom to be naked at home by force.]

"Yes, absolutely I would raise MY kids in a nudist setting (club)" could be true in my thoughts, but not my wife's. And we don't have clubs in our area, nor CO beaches if we don't count private beaches.

[Jeff Brooks]

Our son loves being nude and would be 24/7 if possible, our daughter 18 only goes nude by the pool. They were raise in a nude enviroment. No big deal ever.

JB

[barbararuth]

I guess this is a mute point because I have no children, but if I did, I would have no problem supporting THEIR desire to follow this lifestyle. I would not encourage nor discourage them because of what nudism means to me.

I would hope they would see their mother as a role model as I have gained incredible joy from nudism. I believe that it is a state of mind that gives me freedom and confidence that manifests itself in so many parts of my life. I would want my children to have the opportunity to experience that as well.

[melissastarr]

Mr. Right hasn't popped my way yet, so I'm dealing with Mr. Nonexistant right now. Given the opportunity, I would absolutely raise my kids as nudists and expose them to all of the g-rated naturist lifestyle. I guess part of the answer to the question, though, comes from what my husband is ok with at the time. At this time, I'm praying that God will provide a nudist husband for me.

Melissa

[R.M.GREENMAN2]

I have raised my two girls as nudists since day one.
The oldest is having a shy period but the youngest is gung ho.
If they stay that way into adulthood is yet to be seen, but atleast they won't have any hang ups about the human body!
I hope, anyway!

[Jennifer1]

I was raised that way and i will raise any kids i have that way, infact one of my requirements for a husband is that he be a long time nudist, preferable one who was also raised as one.

I have to disargee with your statement about fewer young people being nudists, nudism as a whole has been on the increase for years, there are large numbers of nudist kids at any resort/beach/camp you go to providing you go eather during the easter holidays or the first few weeks of the summer holidays.

[Trailscout]

I have met nudist families with kids who are seeking other nudist families with kids so their children will have the chance to socialize nude with peers.

I think these parents' instincts are right. I own a copy of "The Naked Child: Growing Up Without Shame" by Dennis Craig Smith with Dr. William Sparks. A considerable portion of the book contains the testimony of adults who grew up as nudists. This is anecdotal evidence, but it seems to suggest that children who had nude playmates (in addition to nudity at home) stood the best chance of having nudist values as adults.

I picked up a copy of this book at Cypress Cove a few years ago, but you might be able to get a copy through Amazon or other book sellers.

[TANZ]

My son is 8 now and I have raised him to be comfortable with his and others nudity.It aint that hard,we are all born nude,and without the shame that is later drummed into us about being nude.All you have to do is show them there is nothing wrong with nudity.
Joining a club that has a lot of similar aged kids is also a big plus,it provides a lot of positive peer pressure.
I remember when he first started school and he came home and said they had a pool and would be going swimming the next day.I told him he would need to wear shorts to swim.He asked why as he had never swum in anything until then.I had to explain that that is the way most people swim.
I never force him to go nude at home,or at the club,but he usually follows my lead when we get home from being out,and strips as soon as we get in the door.
I know as he grows up he may give in to peer pressure and turn away from nudism,but at least he now has the knowledge and experience to make his own choice,without all that textile bullcrap clouding his decision.

Naturally Kiwi

There are children who are the exception to the rule that children turn from nudism when they reach puberty. I know one boy here at TLR. He's 14 and very comfortable being nude with others--even if he's the only non-adult. His dad said he hasn't gone through any rejection of nudity, and I hope he doesn't. His friends know he's a nudist and goes to a nudist resort and apparently don't have a problem with it.

[Jennifer1]

Originally posted by Trailscout:
I have met nudist families with kids who are seeking other nudist families with kids so their children will have the chance to socialize nude with peers.

I think these parents' instincts are right. I own a copy of "The Naked Child: Growing Up Without Shame" by Dennis Craig Smith with Dr. William Sparks. A considerable portion of the book contains the testimony of adults who grew up as nudists. This is anecdotal evidence, but it seems to suggest that children who had nude playmates (in addition to nudity at home) stood the best chance of having nudist values as adults.

I picked up a copy of this book at Cypress Cove a few years ago, but you might be able to get a copy through Amazon or other book sellers.
Yeah having a bestfriend who is a nudist too does help, it means you can spend time naked with friends rather than fully clothed like most teens do. I also am lucky enough to have school friends who are up for giving it ago in the privicy of my backgarden.

[Nudony]

My personal experience echoes the Doc's and Tara's thoughts. My daughter was born into a clothesfree home, and it stayed that way for the first 2-3 years of her life. My wife and I then went through some hair-raising incidents; the problem was that my daughter was having trouble understanding why she couldn't be nude anytime, anywhere. So my wife and I decided to step back a little, which lead to a more clothing optional approach. In hindsight, I think that was much better for my daughter, because it gave her a sense of choice and freedom as how to "manage" her nudity. She is now almost 9, and she may for example shut the door when she takes a bath; however she may then come out of the bathroom nude and watch a little TV with me before heading to bed. Or not. It's totally up to her.
I think a completely nudist home-life removes that sense of choice. There are of course families who have been able to raise their children to adulthood in a clothesfree environment, but I think it's still pretty rare. Most teens will eventually rebel against it. A nudist friend of mine once put it this way: "Don't worry; no matter how hard you try, they drop out eventually. There's nothing you can do." I think that was a bit pessimistic, but he did have a point.
In conclusion, I think it is much more important to eradicate the seeds of body shame in a child than to try to turn them into "AANR card-carrying little nudists." However, if raising your child clothesfree is working for you, then great. But I recommend adapting to the needs of the child and putting them first; if the child starts showing difficulties handling nudity (yours or theirs), address it immediately.

[NudeAl]

I think you're right. The best we can do is to give them the sense that it is alright to be nude. That way they grow up with out many of societies hang-ups regarding their own bodies.

A long time ago I read a book, I believe it was called, "Growing up Without Shame." It basically discussed this same idea. I think this is one of the best things we can hope for, to teach our kids that their bodies are not something to be ashamed of, to comfortable in their own skin.

[Trailscout]

We were not a nudist family, per se, but Dad did not wear clothes after his evening bath. Mom was not quite so free, but I remember several occasions when she encouraged us to wear nothing but shorts when we played outdoors in the summer and if we got muddy, she told us not to be shy about stripping off before coming in the house. Her request was partly motivated by her desire for us not to bring in mud, but also a deliberate attempt to keep us confident about our bodies.

I admit going through some excessive self-consciousness as a teen, but I outgrew it. My parents always continued to set the example about lack of shame and eventually I understood where they were coming from. Dad never apologized for being nude late in the evening. That was his choice and we were to respect it. He never told us what to wear or not to wear.

[traindriver40]

Well if I had the chance to do things over I would certainly raise my two daughters in the naturist lifestyle. I was married for 20 years to a non believer so it wasnt going to happen, though of course they often saw us naked when they was little but that was mainly going to the bathroom etc,(funnily enough the ex dint have a problem with that).

Both my daughters know I am a naturist and dont have a problem with what I do in my private life.

[Walt Iliff]

This is a song I wrote which we sang at our recent AANR East convention. It certainly applies here:

Mommas (Don’t let your babies grow up to be textiles)

Textiles ain’t easy to love, they’re addicted to clothes
They cover their bodies all over from their head to their toes
Banana Republic and Gap, TJ Maxx and the stores at the mall
Sell dresses and sport shirts, skirts, blouses, suits, ties, big and tall.


Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be textiles
Don’t let ‘em wear Hilfigers, Levis or such
Make em wear nothing but smiles, they won’t blush
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be textiles
Cause they’ll never stay bare and they’re always aware
Of everyone else’s new clothes.


Textiles wear stuff that you simply don’t understand why
Wet, sandy swimsuits take almost forever to dry
Ties and tight collars, pajamas for sleeping, other silliness too sad to say
If they’d only be nudists they’d feel so much better at the end of a long hard, hot day.


Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be textiles
Don’t let ‘em wear Hilfigers, Levis or such
Make em wear nothing but smiles, they won’t blush
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be textiles
Cause they’ll never stay bare and they’re always aware
Of everyone else’s new clothes.


Now nudists like being clothes free, short or tall, thin or fat
Wearing just what they entered the world with ‘cept some shoes and a hat
A towel to sit down on, the sun and a breeze and good friends
Keeps us happy and healthy, living life on our terms, it’s a world that we really do love.

Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be textiles
Don’t let ‘em wear Hilfigers, Levis or such
Make em wear nothing but smiles, they won’t blush
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be textiles
Cause they’ll never stay bare and they’re always aware
Of everyone else’s new clothes.

Walt Iliff

[nudeatheart]

I will have to agree with Tara and the Doctor. I am not a parent myself, and at this late stage in life (54), it is unlikely that I will be. If I did have children I would want them to have the choice to go nude at home if they so chose. In my up-bringing once we were old enough to bathe ourselves sibling nudity was a thing of the past. My children, if I had any, would learn when and where nudity would be acceptable.

[Sammyboy]

I should preface this by saying that I have a son from my first marriage, and that I am about to marry again. My first wife was very anti public nudity, was happy for my son to run around naked when small, and to bathe with us, and doesn't think he should now be taught to be horrified if he sees us naked (he's 8), but that it should be avoided.

My new wife to be is only 24, (I'm 33) and we plan at least one child. She was always comfortable naked round the house (my wife wouldn't allow me to be naked outside the bedroom), and last summer we went to our first nude beach. Whilst we're not card-carrying anythings, we pretty much only go to nude beaches unless our son is with us, have taken several friends, and went to a nudist camp site this July. We will bring our kid up to be comfortable with nudity. We'll be nude round the house, in the garden, in front of friends etc, and the kid will be able to choose what he/she wants to do. We'll also take him/her to nude beaches at least until he/she is old enough to express a preference. Whether or not the kid grows up to be a nudist, they'll have learned that nudity is no big deal, and nothing shocking. I've met people who grew up nudist and stayed that way. Also, I've been succesful in raising my son to make his own decisions, and not be too swayed by others. That's pretty good in an 8 year old, so I'd hope to build the same confidence into a naturist kid.

[Nu]

Walt, great song writing.

Maybe,you can get Willie Nelson to record it!

[justnude]

My three brothers and two sisters were raised in a nudist home. As adults, all of us have continued the tradition with our kids. Currently, 3 of us have kids, ranging in ages from 18 on down to 2. We continue the tradition. My oldest brother's wife is a "reluctant spouse" but remains a good sport!

[nunudist]

As a mother, my husband have and I have also been quite liberal with nudity around our house and son, but it wasn't really raising our son as a nudist.

We decided to wait until we thought our son might want to try it. our son is a young teen now and it can be hard to relax into it for them, so we didnt push it.

But we noticed some things that seemed that he wouldn't mind it, and wouldnt be ashamed. If your child is a bit of an exhibionist like our son then its worth trying it.

I hope this makes sense.

[richinud]

My vote is a bit complicated.

I can only claim to be a nudist from fairly recently, though I believe it has been in the back of my mind for a lot longer. My wife has joined me at our club on several occassions, but really to keep me company rather than going for herself. One daughter has joined us naked at the club, and seemed to me to be very enthusiastic, once she had gotten over the anticipated first nerves. My other daughter is steadfastly against going, although she did say she was not ready for that 'yet', which I took as a very mature remark.

Would I raise them as nudists in a nudist-only camp/colony/area? Yes, if my wife wished to. too. That would be an interesting idea.

While living in a predominately textile world, would I have taken them to nudist camps every opportunity (weather pending), yes, definitely.

In both cases, always respecting their decision to change their minds at any time, as we do currently with our choice of holiday venue/s/activities. This is not to say that we do everything our children want, but that we at least try to include them in the decision making process. Although sometimes a 'fait accompli' is the most straightforward approach, as many parents will concur, I'm sure.

I'm not sure how that fits the poll, but I have ticked "I wouldn't raise them as nudists, but would tell them I am".

HTH.

Rich.

[Laura Lopez]

Difficult to answer.

First I would let them have their choice.

I don't like too much nudist clubs, I love nudist beaches and c/o beaches, in fact I think every beach would be clothing optional.

I'll try to teach them how wonderful is nudity and not to be ashamed of their bodies and their nudity, and I'll share my nudity with them at home and outdoor activities, like going to the beach.

Love nudity.

[NudeDudeuk]

Yes I would raise my kids to be nudists, but when they were old enough I would let them make there own decision. Hopefully been raised as nudists, they would continue to share my love of the lifestyle as they got older. However if they did'nt while I would be disappointed, I would respect their decision.

[WriteNaked]

I said, "yes, absolutely" but I don't think I want to use the distinction between club and beach (although they are different in so many ways). What I'd like is for my partner and me to be so comfortable being naked around the house that the kids would never have the sense that being naked is much of a "big deal", and they'd be comfortable going with (but not forced if they didn't want) to clubs or beaches or wherever clothes are "optional".

So I guess it would be not so much "raising them to be nudists" as "raising them to be comfortable with nudity, both their own and that of others."

Cheers!

[Florida Cracker]

We did raise our three boys to be comfortable with nudity around the home and in public places. To this day, they have no problem being nude in public showers, etc. even though grown. So yes, I would and did.
Florida Cracker

[Lorri]

when i have kids i will still go nude (and hopefully whoever my husband is will too!). so i'll hopefully be able to bring them up in a family where nudity is normal and natural and no big deal. of course i'll hope that my kids go nude too and carry on doing that right through, but if they decide they don't want to any more i wouldn't force them to.

but until theyre old enough to be left at home, if we're going to a nude resort id bring them along, they just wouldnt have to go naked if they didnt want.

[Ricky07]

I have given this ZERO thought, but I guess it would be more that I didn't force them to do anything but be supportive if they decide to; i dunno.

[Trailscout]

Ricky,

Kids learn by example. If you and your wife are nude at home most of the time from the time your kids are little, they are likely to follow your example.

If you sit around in jeans and tee shirt and tell your kids that nudity is a great concept, don't count on them doing any more than you do.

[NudistGuy47]

I raised my sons with a sense of body acceptance and choice. As they were nearing potty training, they wished to go nude around the home like dad and mom, so it became an incentive to be "controlled" to lose the diaper. As they grew up, they were given the choice. They chose to continue living the life. As they are now on their own, they have continued to live the life engaging in free hiking, camping, and enjoying the beaches. Most often when home, they are also nude.

It is a about choice for the children. Given a good example, they will grow to be good naturist/nudists in later life.

[Trailscout]

Children are given increasing choice as they get older.

When they are beyond diapers, say 2 or 3 years old, there's no need to ask them if they want to be nude if the house is warm or they they will be playing outside in a private yard on a warm day. At that age, simply don't dress them, have them play outside nude. One never asks a small child if they want to be nude for their evening bath! If you can afford to keep the house warm enough, put the little tykes to bed nude under as many blankets as it takes to keep them warm. Why would a nudist dress small children in pajamas if the house is warm?

As they get to school age, they begin making independent choices about a lot of things. Perhaps they will not opt to peel off all their clothes when they return from school. At that point, it really is their choice. The parents can continue to set an example of regular non-chalant nudity. But in this type of househould, having grown up with daily nudity, chances are good that the kids will not develop a compulsive desire for clothing until their teen years, if it happens even then.

[Nudony]

This type of setting perfectly represents the art of making "nude time." By selecting a time of day or evening to turn off the TV, undress and spend quality, intimate family time playing a board game or something of that nature, you can give nudity "meaning" to a child. Too often kids eventually drop out because they aren't able to assign value to being nude with their parents.

Home is the place to start.

[takeitontherun]

My 4 yr. old is actually a nudist. Diapers came off and clothes stayed off. No buying of the cute boy undies with thomas tank or nothing would help either so thats great for if i get into this any further. But my 12 yr. old....highly doubt it.

[Ken Palmer]

Hello Tara. I would like to start off by saying that you are the first female on this group I have interacted with if you don't mind me saying so. I just wanted to say that I fully respect your opinion and feelings. They sound very sincere and upfront. I myself do not have children due to the fact I am single and an unmarried. But if I did have my own kids, I would pretty much raise them in the same way. Like you said, they have to want to be a nudist or naturist. I feel that no one,child or adult, should never be forced into any situation in which they are not comfortable.

Ken Palmer


Originally posted by Tara:
I don't know if I'd raise my children as "nudists," per se, moreso I would just try to raise them to understand that nudity is ok in some settings and they can be with or without clothes if they want. Basically whatever they choose to do or not do I would let them, and I certainly wouldn't hide adult nudity (parents) from them. I'd like to imagine taking them to a nudist club/beaches or maybe an occasional c/o vacation if possible, as long as it is something they want to do as well.

While I think it is a very healthy way to raise children, especially for their body-image, I also would try to remember that what they want should be respected as well.

[MikeJB]

If I ever have kids, im gonna raise them as nudists because it is going to be my right as a parent to raise my kid(s) as I see fit without the moral police or all these religious nitwits knocking down my door and sticking their nose into my private business.

Theres nothing wrong with raising them as nudists and if you do it from day 1 then it keeps ya from having all the other problems down the road that you would if you waited till then to raise em that way. When they get old enough to chose, itll always be their choice to stay nudists but until then im gonna make sure theyre nudists and im not gonna let nothing or noone get in my way or tell me otherwise.

[Jeff Brooks]

Our son is a comfirmed nudist but our daughter isn't. She does have respect for the life style but only goes nude by the pool only. Once our son was in a hurry to go somewhere and threw on a T shirt and flip flops and out the door he went. When he go into his car he remembered he had no pants and returned.

JB

[Danee]

Having been raised in the philosophy of naturism and the normalacy of that, I will most definately raise my kids to have no shame about their bods and yes, they will certainly be immersed into social naturism. I echo others however, that I will not force it upon them after a certain age, but expect, as is the case with my siblings and myself, it to be a non-issue. Communication and knowledge on all topics is the key to it all.
-Danee

[Bob S.]

"I don't know if I'd raise my children as "nudists," per se, moreso I would just try to raise them to understand that nudity is ok in some settings and they can be with or without clothes if they want."

That is the best way to raise children in most anything, Tara. Guide them. Let them experience all that you believe in and let them make the decisions later when they have the maturity to do so. This could be used for nudism, religion, and any other beliefs. Allowing them the ultimate choice makes for an easier life.

But when raising them younger, don't raise them as nudists, just raise them with natural familial nudity. Raise them in an open household. Lifestyles and philosphies come later when they are old enough to think and make these life decisions for themsleves.

Bob S.

[Dario Western]

If I can find a nice nudist woman who wants to have kids with me, then yes.

I can see that Jennifer from Scotland would probably be getting quite a number of proposals!


Dario Western

[NudeAl]

Originally posted by Naturefam:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Trailscout:
I have met nudist families with kids who are seeking other nudist families with kids so their children will have the chance to socialize nude with peers.

I think these parents' instincts are right. I own a copy of "The Naked Child: Growing Up Without Shame" by Dennis Craig Smith with Dr. William Sparks. A considerable portion of the book contains the testimony of adults who grew up as nudists. This is anecdotal evidence, but it seems to suggest that children who had nude playmates (in addition to nudity at home) stood the best chance of having nudist values as adults.

I picked up a copy of this book at Cypress Cove a few years ago, but you might be able to get a copy through Amazon or other book sellers.

We are pretty much the same kind of fami;ly that Trailscout is talking about here. The only problem that we have found is that there are NO naturist families in our area of Oregon (south of Eugene) to be found. Our children prefer to be nude on hot days, when swimming and they sleep that way also (all of this by their own choice - we certainly don't push them to be that way).
When we went to the Caribbean in early spring, they met a little girl their age and enjoyed immensely playing nude in the ocean and on the beach and they are eagerly looking forward to our return there in January.
So - "Would we raise our children as nudists?" Yes, as long as it is their choice to be nudists. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

South of Eugene? Have you thought of going to the Willies, AKA Willametans? It is the closest nude resort to you, just North of Eugene and I must say a very nice friendly resort indeed.

[Cheffred]

I admire those of you raising your children as nudists if they choose. I wish I had the knowledge of nudity when my kids were young. Now however they dont mind a nudist lifestyle they dont want to hang out with me.

[Alex22]

I don't have children yet.But when I become a father,I'm going to give them the option of being nudists or not.

[NudeDen]

I would absolutely raise my kids as nudists and if i could, live full time at a resort. I would however, let them decide if they want to continue to be nudists as they hit puberty or even after puberty. I personally would have loved being raised as a nudist, but alass, i wasn't and have to catch up on all the things i missed.

[92351]

Heck yeah i would

[nudistmatt]

Whenever I think about this, all I think about are the endless complications that come with raising a nudist family.

I'll just wait until I'm a father to put more thought into this, because everyone knows you get a book that explains everything when you become one.

At least thats what my dad told me.

[DavCube]

If and when I have kids... I don't know if I'd raise them as nudists specifically, but I'd definitely allow them to see me nude w/o the embarrasment, etc, all those beginner things.

[foux003]

All four of my kids were raised a nudists. My stepdaughter now 28 still hangs around the house naked but her boyfriend won't. I never see my daughter anymore but last I knew she still was. My stepson is 30 and when he comes over first words out of his mouth "lets get naked". My sons Southern Primitive Baptise girl friend won't hear of it. Oh well they went their own ways.

[Sharpshooter]

hell yeah, i would've loved it. Then i wouldn;t be so self concoiuos now

[jason_boomer23]

i certainly would.....i love the social setting and believe its great for helping bodily acceptance, im VERY overweight and naturism has helped me overcome that and accept who i am

[Mark_767]

I certainly would.
I can see way more advantages compared to disadvantages…in fact what is a disadvantage?
Of course the decision to be naked should really be up to them, you should never force them. Especially as they get older!

[foux003]

My wife and I did ! It worked for us and the family!

[luv2bnude]

Good topic! Plenty of good points all around.

I don't have any children of my own, but someday when/if I do, my personal opinion would be to give the kids the option to decide if they would be nudists or not.
I think that I would introduce them to the nudist lifestyle at an early age w/ simple home nudity or visits to nude beaches. Then let them decide as they get older, whether or not they would like to continue as nudists. By that time, nudism won't be some "freaky" thing that Mom & Dad are into - they would be more accepting of it & it would just be something that's "not for them". What's to say that they wouldn't get back into it later in life?

[jason_boomer23]

id say it would also depend on whether both or only one of the parents was an active naturist.....id say if kids grow up with both parents nude on a regular basis theres more of a chance they would ease into the life

[P.J.]

My wife, who is not a nudist, cannot have children due to a surgical procedure that she had during her previous marriage.

If she was a nudist and if we had our own chldren, the answer to the question of whether I would raise my children as nudists would be a definite maybe.

When it comes to raising children, there in no single method which works for all. Nudity can be a very delicate subject and one which must be dealt with carefully. Children should be brought up to know that the human body is to be respected and nothing to be ashamed of.

I do have step-children, who are now adults. My first experience with social nudism was within the past couple of years ago. Altough, I talked about nudism with my wife and one of our friends, I'm still a "single nudist." I have never discussed the clothes-free lifestyle with any of my other family members.

This is an interesting poll.

Just about all of the responses, even those from those who I normally can't see eye to eye with, are thought provoking.

It's refreshing to find intelligent comments on a subject...instead of a pseudo-intellectual food fight or endless ramblings of rage.

Happy new year!

[Ann Wife and Mom]

First of all, I am new. I don't see any mother's POV posted somehow, so here is mine.

I have been nude most time at home since I was pregnant with my first kid. Even thought my hubby is never nude at home, except in and out of shower, he has been to a few out of town nudist resorts with us over the years. My son, a freshman in college and my daughter, a junior in HS both still go nude or stay clothed around house whenever they feel like. The way I see it is that you shouldn't raise or "indoctrinate" kids with any nudist philosophy, young or teens. When mine were toddlers they saw me nude all the time and I didn't force them to put their clothes on if weather and situation permitted. I took them to a local resort frequently during summer where they played with other kids. My daughter stopped going about 2 years ago. My son continued with me until he left for college. We used to play tennis with friends there.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is to be a nude parent, naturally, not a nudist parent, intenionally. My children may or may not be nudists once they are on their own, but I know they will be comfortable with nudity.

[Dawg]

You did it right

[Nudeinbama]

That is wonderful, Ann. How is it that your husband does'nt go nude around the house? just curious. If the daughter does, sometimes, then surely there's not the fear of dad being seen by daughter or whatever. Do any of your siblings freinds go nude around your house? Any of yours'?
Nudeinbama

[fredm74]

Well what if you are a single parent raising a child/children? I aqree that both parents in the family would make it an easier transition for the child to be comfortable with nudity. But a single parent? Any thoughts?

-Fred



Originally posted by Nudeinbama:
That is wonderful, Ann. How is it that your husband does'nt go nude around the house? just curious. If the daughter does, sometimes, then surely there's not the fear of dad being seen by daughter or whatever. Do any of your siblings freinds go nude around your house? Any of yours'?
Nudeinbama

[DenitaLC]

Originally posted by Ann Wife and Mom:
First of all, I am new. I don't see any mother's POV posted somehow, so here is mine.

I have been nude most time at home since I was pregnant with my first kid. Even thought my hubby is never nude at home, except in and out of shower, he has been to a few out of town nudist resorts with us over the years. My son, a freshman in college and my daughter, a junior in HS both still go nude or stay clothed around house whenever they feel like. The way I see it is that you shouldn't raise or "indoctrinate" kids with any nudist philosophy, young or teens. When mine were toddlers they saw me nude all the time and I didn't force them to put their clothes on if weather and situation permitted. I took them to a local resort frequently during summer where they played with other kids. My daughter stopped going about 2 years ago. My son continued with me until he left for college. We used to play tennis with friends there.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is to be a nude parent, naturally, not a nudist parent, intenionally. My children may or may not be nudists once they are on their own, but I know they will be comfortable with nudity.

Wonderful point of view and one I do share with you! Especially about it being their choice but at least they have been raised to be comfortable with nudity.

:-)

[ATWO]

When I was in the 8th grade, I had a girlfriend who invited me to go to her uncle's for the weekend to swim...Though hesitant, she was compelled to mention that they were nudists, and did not wear clothes while they were there...I was curious and a part of me really wanted to go...But in the end, my anxiety and insecurity got the best of me, and I didn't go...To this day I regret not going, and it would be many years later before I would take the first step and go to a c/o beach...I now have a son under 2, and I expose him to clothes free situations as much as possible...My wife joins me at clubs and/or beaches with our son, but at home she wears clothes all the time...I on the other hand do not, and the fact that she does, kind of irritates me...Though she is one of those people who gets cold in 80 degree weather, but I feel it's sending my son a mixed message...One that I prefer he wasn't confused about....What I've come to realize in my 34 years of life on earth is that to be raised with shame and or modesty about the human body only serves to promote the wrong attitude about it...I feel it is of puritan origin that should have gone out with witch burning...I believe that humans are rebellious from the time we learn to walk...And trust me, the living proof is banging at my keyboard as I write this post...I also believe that to label nudity as inappropriate only serves to promote less healthy ways of exploring it...I have a 21 year old nephew that is uncomfortable over the thought of a clothes free situation, but walk into his frat house anytime day or night and there will be porn on the TV running 24/7...And I say to the parents, that's what you get!!! Now granted, not everyone who does not experience social nudity while growing up is going to become a sexual deviant, but on the other side of the coin, alot of those people may be disfunctional or lacking in other aspects of their sexuality...What i've noticed since I've been clothes free is better parent child relationships...As well as young people being more well rounded and way more comfortable with peers of the opposite sex than I ever was...I will absolutely raise my son as a nature loving, respectful of others, card carrying clothes free individual...If he chooses to walk away from it when he is of age to make that decision, i'll support him 100%...But I have a feeling he won't...I hope to instill the positive nature of what being free is all about...And the day he is exposed to adverse opinions about his life style, he'll be able to smile with confidence, knowing that he was lucky enough to be raised with a healthy attitude towards his body as well as others...

On a side note, did ya catch how many times I incorporated "clothes free" instead of "nudist" or "naturist"??? I am glad about the change in promoting social nudity under this phrase in stead of the other labels....For I feel I am just a human being...It is those who with a textile compulsive disorder that need a special name attached to them....Not me....

ATWO

[johnshon]

my wife and i prefer nude at home, if the weather is not so cool, and our 7y son who often wears his pant and waistcoat. He seldom asked us the reason we choose the nude, but i remembered someday he did asked me the question, i told him it is his mammi and i couple's lifestyle, he could also select his own lifestyle of course. that year he was 6. i thought he know the difference between the lifestyle and the primary goal of one's whole life. A person's lifestyle maybe various, but the aim should be unique: make the world better.This the philosophy we wanna our son knows.

[d12345]

Every time we have been at a family resort, the teenagers thank there parents for including them in at the resort. The children seem to be more realistic, more grown up, even when joining the adults in acitivies.

[Bare in the Desert]

My girlfriend and I are nude at home most of the time. Our kids are welcome to follow suit if the so choose but are not forced. My 6 yr loves to be nude at home. We dont take her to any resorts and such because we dont have concent from my ex-wife, yet. My girlfriends 12 yr old has no problems with us being nude but is not comfortable being nude herself. What ever makes them happy.

[krcNY]

We have had a clothing optional home for years...not realizing there was a whole world out there just like us.

Once we found out, we went as a couple to a couple nude venues. We were unsure how the kids would react to other people, it took a couple years before we took them with us. Well, I can say.....It was no big deal. They cannot wait for the weather to break so they can go out and socialize with thier new "nude" friends from camp. They are already making plans.

It was mainly due to this forum that we decided to branch out with the kids. And we are all very glad that we did.

[NudeAl]

Our kids were raised in a nudist household and they seem to have turned out fine. I agree with earlier posts in that it is important not to come off in a militant way about this. Just treat it as a natural component of your daily routine. My wife and I both were nude or clothed as the mood strikes us around the house over the years. The older kids are mostly gone now, 1 away in college and one is married and on his own. We still have our 22 year old daughter and her daughter and my 14 year old son living with us. None of them have any problems with my or my wifes nudity. In fact they are usually nude going to and from the bathroom durring showers but don't hang out nude around the house. I think it is safe to say the are comfortable with nudity which is all I could ask for.

[jandatxnude]

We did raise our two kids nude. They were born two years apart and our son is older. Basically they learned by example from us. They saw that we were nude almost all the time, so they did as well. Our son couldn't wait to get out of his diaper so that he could "go nekkid all the time like daddy!" We never made a big deal out of it, and were mostly home nudists. We did a few social things, but never went to a nudist resort. We'd go to the beach quite a bit in the summers. It was only about 30 miles from us, so it was very easy. It wasn't a nude beach, but our kids were small, an no one really cared. Our son usually ran and jumped in the car still nude, and rode to and from the beach that way. Sometimes if there was another family nearby, their kids would wind up taking off their suits and playing nude with our kids, after their parents gave them permission.

Our daughter got more shy during her teen years, but it never stopped us from being nude around the house. Our son only had brief periods of modesty, mostly right as puberty kicked into high gear. Once he and I had some discussions, he got more comfortable with it, and even quite proud of his new growth.

My wife still isn't a social nudist, but my son has gone with me to the resort near us. He's thanked me many times for giving them the freedom to grow up nude. He's in the Army now, so there's not much time for that. Plus, he's getting married soon, and I have every confidence that he'll have a clothing optional household as well.

Barefoot-n-Nude in Texas!

[Jay473]

Yes, I think I would raise my kids as nudists but I would allow them to make their own decisions once they would grow up a little.

[Ceilican]

I hardly can see me as a father yet, for a VERY long time at least.....i obviously going to teach them that it´d nothing wrong with nudity, and probably will teach them also were the anti-nude ideas originated in history and how wrong they are.....

[justnude]

I think a better question here would be "Why wouldn't you raise your children as nudists?" If you are a true nudist yet would not raise your kids as such, are you not saying that there is something "wrong" with being naked with others other than for sexual reasons? Just a thouhgt! We have raised our kids as nudists and, as they have aged themselves they have either kept up the traditon or elected not to continue on their own.

[herooftime8]

I'd love to actually expose my children to the possibility of nudism, but I would leave the choice to participate in my children's hands.

Right now, I'm with a girlfriend who is helping me set up a campus organization, but isn't into it herself.

[NudePete]

Originally posted by Jay473:
Yes, I think I would raise my kids as nudists but I would allow them to make their own decisions once they would grow up a little.
Originally posted by herooftime8:
I'd love to actually expose my children to the possibility of nudism, but I would leave the choice to participate in my children's hands.

When you have young kids you soon learn that they are not capable of making good choices. It is similar to letting them choose between peas, corn, carrots, or jelly doughnuts. As a matter of interest, their pediatrician likes to say that parents should insist that a child taste a new dish at least 10 different occasions before entertaining the idea that they actually might not like it. That seemed to work for us as the kids now happily eat most of what we put in front of them, and they are not reluctant to at least try new foods.

I don't think you would get the same resistance to being naked...young kids usually love it. But if you want to raise kids to be comfortable nude when they are older, they must have experienced casual family nudity before then. Otherwise the choice of an older child will always be "What! Are you kidding?!?"

f.y.i. My wife always insisted we keep modestly covered when in the kids' presence. That was an upbringing which I now regret allowing to happen but had no strong feelings about at the time. They now have their own hurdles that they will eventually need to overcome. Hindsight is always 20/20.

[Mark_767]

I would like to raise my kids as naturalists, but like other people have mentioned I would leave the decision to participate in their hands, I would never force them!

[Trailscout]

Mark,

This debate gets tangled up because the word "kids" could mean a day-old baby or a boy one day shy of his 18th birthday.

If your children are old enough to find the toilet, but too young to dress themselves and your house is warm, well, keep them nude and you and your wife should be nude too.

Then if you regularly take the family to a nude beach or naturist park and are nude at home, you will have done all you can.

One day when your son or daughter reaches his or her teen years, your children may show a temporary bout of modesty. It's best for you and and your wife to remain nude as always and ignore their state of dress.

The goal is to teach that clothes are not important. Eventually most people outgrow those self-conscious years and the children of nudists seem to recover confidence the fastest.

And some kids never go through a shy phase!

[herooftime8]

NudePete,

I meant primarily that I'd let them experience both sides of the fence at a younger age, let them live some of their lives clothed and nude, and at about fifteen or sixteen, let them make a choice how to live.

The only downside to that I can see is that they might be in their "don't wanna be nude" stage of their lives, and they could be stuck there if I let them choose then.

Being the eldest child certainly has its advantages. I've seen my youngest sister reject all foods except ramen, macaroni and cheese, and select other foods. My parents still ground her from TV or computer games if she misbehaves. She's twelve--almost old enough to get a job (at thirteen or fourteen), and she's still making bad decisions.

Of course, each child is his or her own person, and a very precocious eight-year-old could probably make the same decision as an average fourteen-year-old. It all varies.

[Lilwilly]

I wish I had been more open with my kids. I was afraid they would think I was strange so I kept my nudism hidden from them. My wife is not a nudist so bringing them up in a nudist environment was not an option. In hindsight I realize I regret not being more open with them about being a nudist. That would have at least established that it was all right if they had tendencies that way as well. I believe my brother and I inherited our love of nudism from my father and it is likely that at least on of my kids got it from me.

[justnude]

The easiest answer is "why not?" Our five kids are well adjusted nudists without the normal body hangs up of the teen years.

[Trailscout]

Originally posted by justnude:
The easiest answer is "why not?" Our five kids are well adjusted nudists without the normal body hangs up of the teen years.

That says it all. It's not a choice between two morally equal lifestyles with equal results.

We should encourage naturism by word and deed because it is the better of the two options. We should always want the best for our children and encourage them to choose wisely.

[EMO pioneer]

i have to say i wish my poll had this many votes
ALSO
I say if your kids want to or are raised as nudists take them to a nudist club and see if they like it or not
let your kids do what makes them feel comfratble
but still set good limits

[NakedTao]

Based on my own (brief) experience with social nudism, yes, I would definitely raise my children as nudists. In fact, it's important to me to find a potential wife who's open to becoming a nudist herself (if not one already). http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

[Natureisone]

My wife and i have raised are daughter as a nudist since a baby,we feel there is nothing to hide and that she should learn the naked body isnt and evil thing to look at,even now as a teenager she still love's being nude around the house all the time and going away to nudist resorts and beaches.i also think it helps with puberty already having an idea whats going to happen to there bodys.

[toofeelgood]

I echo what many of you have said that, it is important to not force it on the kids, but alow them to choose to go clothesfree when appropriate and not to when not appropriate. I will more or less stay away from the term naked and focus on clothes free.

[drv]

I was the youngest of three boys and although we never saw our mother nude, dad slept nude and usually wore no clothes around the house. Both of them encouraged my brothers and me to be nude at home whenever we wanted and as a result all three of us are nudists. I intend to rsise my children as nudists just like my oldest brother who is married and has four kids (2 boys and 2 girls) ranging in age from 6 to 12. Although his wife was not a nudist when they married she has come around and so they are raising all four kids as nudists.

[Fuzzy Nuts]

Yes I would. However when our daughter was growing up we were not nudists. However since beccoming nudists and coming out of closet we found that our grown daughter who lives on other side of country has also become a Naurist. GO FIGURE

[AndyF]

I am not a parent, but i would certainly consider raising any children that came along to be comfortable with being nude, and have the choice of wearing or not wearing clothes.

Of course it would all depend on their mother. If she were against it then it would have to be a no go. I wouldnt want to put my kids through the confusion of being nude with daddy, but having to wear clothes with mummy.

Personaly (from a non parental point of veiw) I think the earlier you get kids interested in being nude and comfortable with nudity the better. it would be no good starting them off always wearing clothes then suddenly introduced to nudity. To most kids I think this would make nudity seem strange and weird. if they are raised with it from vey early on (say almost from the begining if possible) then they would surely treat nakedness as normal.

In Most 'textile' families children are only naked when they have to be - for bathing or changing clothes. The opposite should be the case if you want a child to treat nude as normal. Only dress them when absolutely nessesary - say to go places where people would be offended by a nude child, to nursery or school for example, or when you have visitors or its too cold.

Of course you might have the problem of them not wanting to wear clothes when they have to - say when they start school. But i would say thats not a bad problem to have!

Oh and of course as they got older they would have a choice of what to wear or not to wear. But I am sure if they were brought up being comfortable with being nude then it is less likely that they would readily turn their back on the lifestyle.

Of course there would be other pressures that might prevent a nude/clothing optional upbringing. Family disaproval (grandparents etc), peer pressure, or even state interference, could force a clothed upbringing where one was not desired.

[Liam]

Originally posted by hairyballs:
Yes I would. However when our daughter was growing up we were not nudists. However since beccoming nudists and coming out of closet we found that our grown daughter who lives on other side of country has also become a Naurist. GO FIGURE

Ha! Ha! Isn't that the way of things! It is a good thing in the end. I hope it opens new avenues for you and your family.

[gymnoboi]

Raising kids as nudist is the right thing to do. I was a nudist prior to being married and once married got the wife happily involved in the lifestyle. we raised our girls as nudists till the divorce. sadly after that their mom gave up nudism and they seldom get chances to be nude.

[simonsebs]

Yes I would. But I have a question for the parents that have. Did you wait until before or after your child(ren) was potty trained before letting go nude, and would that be the best way to go?

[AndyF]

Originally posted by simonsebs:
Yes I would. But I have a question for the parents that have. Did you wait until before or after your child(ren) was potty trained before letting go nude, and would that be the best way to go?

I think for practical reasons you would have to wait until they were toilet trained and out of nappies before you let them go nude too much - otherwise it could get a bit messy!

[nudebushwalker]

Yes ...

[Matt King]

We already did. Both are college age now. Our son gets naked as soon as he comes in the door . Our daughter is much more conservative but at breakfast she is usually nude when she is here at home. Always when people come over we are dressed except if we know they are comfortable with it. Both are doing fine.

[Pieguy]

I would if I actually had any, or was going to have any in the near future. I am not.

[bnudes]

I dont have kids and its going to be awhile before I do but heck yes I'd raise them as nudists. I've been a nudist for over a year now and I wished I had been raised as one. at least I became one when I was 14

[BEE-1]

I think my kids are going to raise me to let them be nudist at the rate they are going! They love being naked and I will do the best I can to let them be the way they want without upsetting anyone else and respecting other people as well. This summer I will take my son with me camping and let him run around naked for a couple days and Iam sure he will love every minute of it.

[bort125]

I would give them the option. I'd let them know what nudists are and let them decide if they want to become nudists or not