Introducing Children/Teens to Naturism

[smid]

My wife and I are new to naturism. I am alredy comfortable nude and my wife is open to explore the lifestyle. We are planning to visit a local resort soon. My question is how to get the kids involved? We've been open with them and encouraged them to sleep nude, but everyone in the house still covers up after showers, etc. My kids are 8 to 13 years old and I don't want to push them, but I do want them to try it. The oldest seems to be the one who is most uncomfortable. /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif Any suggestions or coments would be welcome.

[smid]

My wife and I are new to naturism. I am alredy comfortable nude and my wife is open to explore the lifestyle. We are planning to visit a local resort soon. My question is how to get the kids involved? We've been open with them and encouraged them to sleep nude, but everyone in the house still covers up after showers, etc. My kids are 8 to 13 years old and I don't want to push them, but I do want them to try it. The oldest seems to be the one who is most uncomfortable. /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif Any suggestions or coments would be welcome.

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by smid:
Any suggestions or coments would be welcome. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't think there's any easy answer to this.

No doubt you'll get people saying that you shouldn't push the kids into this and you should let them find their own way on the basis, I suspect, that pushing kids into naturism is considered tantamount to child abuse.

But some of these same people would be quite happy to insist that their kids go to church every Sunday or insist that their kids do their homework or practise the piano or all sorts of other things which are deemed beneficial to children even if the kids themselves don't see it the same way.

Of their own volition I doubt that most kids are naturally naturist because they are subject to those same cultural pressures which prevent most adults from being naturists. I doubt also that most children would become naturists just because their parents are except in the case of children having been brought up in a naturist environment from the very start.

So the logical advice is if you believe that naturism is beneficial to children then you should be insistent that they practise it. You can expect to meet some resistance from the children and you could be critized by family and friends if they are aware but, in my view, as long as you have a totally loving and trusting relationship with your children then you should have no long term problems.

Rik

[TXK NUDE]

As always...honest communication is the key. The 13 yr old (B or G?) is probably uncomfortable because of the way they have always been raised, and the onset of puberty! It's an odd time anyway. However, if they feel they can be honest around you, and you respect their feelings, and see you nude and enjoying yourselves, they may come around.

[Doug H]

Rik,

At the ages the inquirer mentioned, having the kids feel that their feelings are important is important. If what I read in the book "Growing Up Without Shame" is anything to go by, then yes, forcing the issue could become a problem.

Inquirer,

The above said, feeling the kids out on a nude beach or resort outing, then, at least once or twice, then bringing them along and having them be nude while there shouldn't be too much to ask either. Maybe you could have a nude evening at home. I know my dad and I used to play Risk, Monopoly, and similar games when I was that age, so having a nude game night could also be a good idea. A now-and-then approach might be better than all-the-time approach.

Doug H.

[j4king]

It seems to me that forcing anyone to be nude against their will, at any age, goes against the whole spirit of naturism. In my view, one of the main goals is to provide environments where people feel safe and accepted to CHOOSE to be nude (whether that is at home or in public).

Just as we don't like being forced to wear clothes, why would we then want to force anyone to be nude??

Moreover, I imagine if when I had been a teen my parents had suddently decided that I must be nude, I would have become MORE resistant to the idea of nudism, not less.

I would recommend taking the kids to a clothing optional beach where they have the CHOICE to be nude or not. If they are resistant to even that idea I would suggest that you make a bargain with them--that is, ask them just to try it once with you and if they don't enjoy it then they never have to go again (I think that if they know that they don't have to be nude, that should relieve much of their apprehension).

By the way, there is a similar post in the Young Naturists section titled "Question for younger people" at:
http://www.clothesfree.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=000005

[florida-david]

WELL, since the kids were not raised in a nudist home, i would not force the kids to be nude. you could be nude in the house so they get used to what nude bodies are like.

with the ages of your kids, i would think that if dad did anything with them, it would be a special occasion. most parents are so busy, its difficult to take quality time out to spend with the kids. so i would suggest planning special nude outings with the kids so they realize that naked time means special family time. plan day trips to a nude resort or beach or camping area. start now to spend quality time with them and eventually maybe they will want to do it on their own. your kids are at a difficult time, so good luck.

my oldest (eight years old) is already modest and will only go nude with us at home when no one is scheduled to be here. my wife and i are always nude and he used to be always nude, but last year he became modest /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif . some kids would rather not be nude. at least my 8 yr. old boy sleeps nude (but our 6 yr. old boy won't sleep nude although he's often nude around the house and always in the pool - go figure)....

[Bob S.]

This would depend on how long you have been open with them and what you have done. Just talking with them will not do much. Do you go naked at home? If not, I would try to start. Let the kids know that you are relaxing the dress code at home and that they will more thanlikely see you naked. You could start in the early morning and evening times. After that, in the middle of the day when they do not have friends over.

Another thing to do is to contact the park where you are going and explain your situation. Provide your email addy or even phone number and let them know that you would like to talk with any other parents there with parents your children's ages. Also, inquire about their nudity policy. Make sure they are a clothing-optional park. Having that option to be clothed will be of comfort.

Good luck with them.

Bob S.

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by j4king:
It seems to me that forcing anyone to be nude against their will, at any age, goes against the whole spirit of naturism. In my view, one of the main goals is to provide environments where people feel safe and accepted to CHOOSE to be nude (whether that is at home or in public).

Just as we don't like being forced to wear clothes, why would we then want to force anyone to be nude?? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I wasn't really talking about forcing children to adopt naturism as that would be as bad as forcing them to do anything. No, what I'm saying is that perhaps parents who genuinely believe that naturism is beneficial and who genuinely care for their children's wellbeing should be as insistent about naturism as they are about other contentious issues where they want children to do things which the kids might not want to do.

Many religious people have no problems in insisting that their children practise religion, non-naturists seem to have no problem in insisting that their children remain covered at all times (remember Stu?) but naturists somehow are more reluctant to insist that their children practise naturism. Is it because naturists are less sure about the benefits of naturism or is it perhaps because naturist parents fear accusations from a society which doesn't share their views?

I'm not saying I'm definitely right on this for I genuinely don't know, but I'm not convinced that applying the accepted wisdom of letting kids decide for themselves actually produces the desired results. It would be interesting to know if there has been any reseach into this.

Rik

Having children of my own who are grown now, I know how children rebel when forced to do something they don't want to do, even if it's something that they're required to do--like going to school. I remember my own rebellion when forced to go to church as child while my parents stayed in bed.

Starting a 13-year-old out in nudism by saying something like "We're going to a nudist resort this weekend whether you want to or not" is not the way to do it. Smid wants to know how to INTEREST his children in nudism not how to force them.
Yes, Rik. Many nudists ARE afraid of accusations of "child abuse" or "sexual abuse" if the child doesn't want to be nude and is forced to do so, because society is trying too hard to "protect" children.

[NW Nude]

Great responses and advise from everyone. We are in a similar situation. We actually like the time at a reesort or camping just for us as a couple. Our kids are 17, 14, and 11. Awkward ages to start nudism for the first time. Probably around 16-18 we will tell them what we enjoy as a pastime. If they want to go, great, if not that's ok. I believe the clothing optional is a must. Let them get comfortable, maybe just shorts and barefeet for a couple visits, and then they may like the freedom. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[smid]

thanks for all the good ideas. After reading all the posts last night we had a family talk. I have been slowly increasing the amount of time I spend nude in our home and the kids are having no problem adjusting to that. The 13tr old says he is not uncomfortable seeing me nude, and I think he is being mostly honest. He also says he is comfortable with the younger two kids being nude a little more often. The sticking point is definately about his own body. I totally understand because there is no way I would have felt comfortable without clothes at his age. He seemed opem to the idea of visiting a clothing-opptional place, where he would not have to remove his own clothing. I am most concerned because I don't want him to grow up with the same body shame that I did. It caused me lots of problems for many years and I really think it would be benificial to him, but I will not force him. I was 13 once and I know how I reacted to being forced to do anything.
Jon-Marc, you are absolutely correct. I am looking for ways to interest him, so hopefully he can decide he wants to see what its all about for himself. My wife and I have been very clear about this with all our children, we educate them and then let them ask questions and decide for themselves.

[florida-david]

smid, you sound like an awesome dad.

maybe you can make a special trip with just you and your son to do a "male bonding" thing that does not involve nudity but might give you the opportunity to talk about it. 13 is the transition age for many boys and i think a little closeness with his dad could not hurt to help him relate to you before he turns independant. camping alone with just him might be a good idea?!? when my kids (especially the boys, but also the girl if my wife doesn't want) turn 13, i intend on a road trip with just the 13 year old camping along the way on route to somewhere scenic. i was thinking my wife could fly with the other kids and meet us there for several days, and than we could drive back. to me its an important age (and to many religions as well), so we wanted to commemorate (spelling) it somehow. and if we happen to get naked along the way, than more fun for us...

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jon-Marc:
I remember my own rebellion when forced to go to church as child while my parents stayed in bed.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Jon-Marc, This is exactly my point. You were forced to go to church and hey, you found religion. I bet you're glad now that your parents were so insistent. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Yes, Rik. Many nudists ARE afraid of accusations of "child abuse" or "sexual abuse" if the child doesn't want to be nude and is forced to do so, because society is trying too hard to "protect" children. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Yes I know. Obviously we have to live in the real world but as long as we live in fear of what other people think then we shall never be free to live the life we believe we should be living.

Rik

[naked buff]

I think you should compel your son to try nudism. As long as the parents are committed to it, and aren't going to give it up after one visit, it will be fine. Remember that for him, there is no turning back once his sisters and especially his mother see him in the nude.
From my own experience, at 13 and even much younger, I wanted to be a nudist, and if my parents had done more than toy around with and joke about the idea of becoming nudists, I would have secretly been delighted that we did it. As it was, I didn't want to risk even the ridicule of my family, especially the grins of my mother, if they turned out not to be as into it as I would be.
I've met teenagers who had started practicing nudism with their parents around age 14. They stayed with it. I've met parents who forced their daughter to join, because they considered it dangerous to leave a teenager at home alone all weekend while they were in their nudist camp; "put a gun to her head" was how they described the degree of compulsion (it was a joke, of course). Since the first time, she loved it.
Let's remember that a normal boy, especially a teenager, has a fascination with the nude bodies of either sex. Nothing is wrong with this! We nudists are allowed to look at each other's bodies, even the genitals. No part is obscene. I believe most teenage men, even those who do not become nudists, would love the freedom of not just sleeping and swimming nude, but of walking around nude and being seen by others nude. It's not exhibitionism, it's not a stage of development, it's just natural. If human beings were meant to go around naked, they would have been born that way.

Make him go. If there are nudists around his age already there, and the weather is hot, he should come around!

[gamblefish]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by smid:
The sticking point is definately about his own body. I totally understand because there is no way I would have felt comfortable without clothes at his age. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I cannot speak for your son, but us men know that things pop up unexpectedly (if you know what I mean) when you are a teenage boy. You don't even have to think about anything, it just has a mind of it's own (ok, mine still does). Add being nude in front of a bunch of other nude people, and well, if I knew I was gonna have an uncontrollable stiffy when mom and dad took me to the nudist resort...there's no team of mules that could drag me there.

My advice is to first get them involved at home, where the only ones around are family, then see how it goes.

Rik,

My point was that since my parents didn't lead by example I rebelled and quit going to church at age 13 for three years until a friend invited me to go to his church.

Forcing a 13-year-old to be nude when he's not comfortable with it will cause him to rebel and refuse to go. If his dad encourages him to go with him and his siblings and lets him know that he doesn't HAVE to be nude unless he wants to swim or use the hot tub, he might be more apt to try it. If he's reached puberty then he's probably afraid of having an erection in front of other people, which could be VERY embarrassing for a 13-year-old.

I wish my parents had been nudists and had raised me as one. I loved being nude as a child and a teen but only when alone. I was too embarrassed to be seen nude by others.

[scottnc]

I think 13 is a little old to "force" someone to be nude. I think the best approach is for those who feel comfortable nude to be nude. When & if the 13 year old is ready, he'll join in.

We'd like to think all of our decisions are logical or planned. That isn't the case, at least for me. My first time nude, inside or outside, wasn't part of a planned process. It's just that I felt comfortable without a shirt or shoes, so I decided to lose the pants.

[Naturist Mark]

If it were my 13 year old son:

There is no need to force a 13 year old 'into' nudism. I think Jon-Marc is correct - that would be a recipe for rebellion.

However... It should be made clear that he does not get to dictate anyone else's behavior. He will just have to get used to seeing Mom and Dad and whomever in the nude from time to time, it isn't their problem if he is uncomfortable for no good reason.

He is a part of the family, and will participate in family activities. Such as visits to family nudist resorts. He can stay clothed, but he does have to come along.

Most clubs are clothing-optional, so he won't have to be nude (and not even the 'non-optional' ones usually force kids to disrobe). But in the mean time he will be seeing normal people nude in a wholesome non-lewd context, this will be an important counter to the relentless social brainwashing of our entertainment and commercial culture that always equates nudity with sex and with unreasonable standards of physical beauty. Even if he never fully participates he will go a long way towards developing better body acceptance and rejecting shame.

And another thing. Most resorts do have a strict skinnydipping rule. The kids don't have to be nude at any time, but they do have to be nude if they choose to enter the water. Sooner or later they can't resist. And guess what? They almost always live through it.

-Mark

[AussieBeachBoy]

I'm not a parent so this is just one guy's opinion...

It's got to be something your kids decide is a choice that's right for them.

Your 13yo has said that he doesn't mind everyone around him being naked, he's just cautious about being naked himself. And he's open to going to a clothing optional resort/beach.

That suggests to me you've won 80% of the battle. Kids are very self-conscious at his age and for the various reasons mentioned above, his reluctance is understandable. I certainly would have had the same reaction at his age.

If you go regularly to the clothing optional resort/beach and he gets used to everyone around him being naked, he may drop his inhibitions and be prepared to go naked himself.

However, I think forcing him is exactly the wrong way to go. I know several people who had particular lifestyle choices 'forced on' them at that age who almost instinctively backed up against them. I certainly know that I had a similar situation with my parents over a different issue. Forcing your son to do something he's a bit reluctant about at the moment will only add to any embarrassment and insecurity he may feel in going naked, and could well be a source of resentment.

PS: Smid, having reread your latest post I would add: I see your desire is to give your child better feelings about himself than you had at his age. It may help him greatly if you can empathise with him, saying "I completely understand how you feel, I felt the same at your age and also wouldn't have wanted to go naked. But I also wish now that I'd felt differently when I was your age, and had the opportunity to do so. I want you to be able to make your own decision on this."

[EricNY]

My thoughts exactly Aussie, and I am a father of three. I would carbon copy your post.

The slow let them go at their own pace, has worked well for us.

[BrianM]

Here's my view, just of list of thoughts.
Boys in Puberty have many issues with thier bodies, depending on where they are in development.
1. erections are involuntary..may last into their 20's
2. Boys do judge others by penis size, body hair, and any other developmental issue, regardless if whether or not "nudist" do.
3. Kids are very idealistic. They see perfection as the "norm" and anything else is inferior.
4. Kids usually enjoy skinny dipping, maybe at night, or by removing their clothes once in the pool.

Here are my thoughts on education.
Talk to the kids about:
1. Fact that the nude body is not dirty.
2. Fact that everyone is different, which is a good thing, not bad.
3. Nudity should not be forced. People should be allowed to feel comfortable, and if being clothed makes THEM more comfortable at the present time, then let it be.
4. A kid who doesn't practice nudity themselves in public, but has had POSITIVE exposure and education to nudity should definitely have positive views and reactions to nudity as an adult, which is the ultimate goal.

My views on Clothing optional / vs forced nudity at resorts, beaches etc.
1. Should always be clothing optional, forced nudity at particular areas is a little confusing to me.
2. A gawker will not typically stay at a resort around a bunch of nude people, while remaing clothed. They will walk a nude beach clothed, but I can't imagine one going to a resort just to look, without being naked themselves.
3. The perv usually has no problem stripping down themselves, it completes the fantasy.
4. The rules about forced nudity have as much to do with the rulemakers wanting to see nude people, as it does with them wanting to feel comfortable in the nude....Lets face it, most nudist could care less who sees them nude, as long as it is accepted by those who see (they just do not want to offend). Do you think that doctors should be nude when go for an exam? Would that make it better?

These are just a few of my views, but bottom line about the kids, just try to educate and leave it up to them.

[Croydon]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by naturistmark1:
If it were my 13 year old son:

He is a part of the family, and will participate in family activities. Such as visits to family nudist resorts. He can stay clothed, but he does have to come along.

Most clubs are clothing-optional, so he won't have to be nude (and not even the 'non-optional' ones usually force kids to disrobe).
And another thing.

Most resorts do have a strict skinnydipping rule. The kids don't have to be nude at any time, but they do have to be nude if they choose to enter the water. Sooner or later they can't resist. And guess what? They almost always live through it.

-Mark <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>A lot of people seemed to forgotten what it is like to be 13. Remember the time you were 13 and now add that to living in today's soceity. Do you honestly, think a 13 y/o kid is going to go for nudism? I don't think so. At such an age, a teen is only beginning to understand changes in his body. Puberty is an often nerve wrecking and embarassing experience no matter how many time a parent tells the kid it is normal. That being said, a teen is not going to expose himself in his embarassing years. The main concern for teens at this age is their ability to fit in with their peers. At this stage, a teen thrives to be accepted by his peers through his behavior, interest, clothing, music etc etc etc. It makes no sense for the 13 y/o kid to participate in something that many of his peers will find weird. He wouldn't subject himself to that scrutiny.

As for the above statement about the kid having to go to nudist resort with his parents yet remain clothed if he wishes. That is unrealistic and to some extent abuse. If he chooses not to be a nudist, you shouldn't and cannot force him to go to a nudist resort. That is essentially forcing something onto him that he wishes not to get involved. Assuming he "has" to go, what will that accomplish. Since many resorts lack teens, the kid will end up staying there to do nothing and inable to socialize. I doubt he'll want to speak to people 20+ years older than he.

In essense, I believe a lot of people here are being unrealistic. Nudism is mostly an activity that is DISCOVERED. We discovered nudism and it would be wrong of anyone, parent or not parent, to try to "force" anyone into it

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Croydon:
As for the above statement about the kid having to go to nudist resort with his parents yet remain clothed if he wishes. That is unrealistic and to some extent abuse. If he chooses not to be a nudist, you shouldn't and cannot force him to go to a nudist resort. That is essentially forcing something onto him that he wishes not to get involved. Assuming he "has" to go, what will that accomplish. Since many resorts lack teens, the kid will end up staying there to do nothing and inable to socialize. I doubt he'll want to speak to people 20+ years older than he. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't agree. You cannot put a 13 year old in charge of the family.

They may not love seeing a bunch of harmless 'old' people naked, but it will go a long way towards allieviating the toxic body-image that the majority of young Americans have learned from the 'normal' world.

Family vacations of any sort are typically spent with family, not primarily with other kids. Yet my observation has been that the kids do quickly find each other and have a good time, no matter how under-represented they may be.

-Mark

[Bob S.]

Croydon, I must disagree with your statement about a family taking a reluctant child on to a nudist park being akin to abuse. It is not abuse. It is simply taking the child along on a family outing. Would it be abuse for parents to insist that their child accompany them to church? To the store? To a concert? No. They child may not like it, but he or she will get over it.

Just because the destination is a nudist park does not change that. Methinks you are allowing society to influence your opinion.

I do agree that someone who is reluctant about going to a specific place will not enjoy themselves as much, especially if they are very stubborn, in which case, they will find a way to be miserable. But I don't think this is the point that smid was making. After reading it, I believe he was saying that he would not force his son to undress. Note that smid said that his son had no problem with his parents' or siblings' nudity and was "open" to going to the nudist park, but had some reservations concerning getting naked himself.

And smid, if you can attend a park where there is a good mix of children (ask ahead), I don't think your son would have any problems eventually getting into the act. In fact, his sense of modesty will kick in when he sees himself as one of the only ones who is dressed. That's another thing with teens that age: fitting in. If no one else is clothed, he will be the odd one out and may just decide to throw caution to the wind and go naked for the sake of it.

One more thing, even though it is a long drive, White Tail Park in Southeast Virginia ( http://www.white-tail-park.com ) has a great mix of kids and teens, especially during the summer. And in the last part of June (27th - 29th), they are having their own JuniorFest as well as hosting the AANR-East Youth Leadership Camps starting on the 20th, so the park will probably be crawling with kids of all ages during those days.

Bob S.

[smid]

Wow. Thanks for all the responses. Just to let you all know how things are going:
My wife and I are looking into local resorts/clubs ourselves first. We wouldn't want him to go someplace with nothing but older folks around. He is completely comfortable with my nudity, it is his own that is the issue. He is definately interested in nudism. He has joined this forum and hopefully will be posting his own questions soon. As for my role, I think if I bring up the subject anymore it would be too much (it probably is too much already). The point is, he is comfortable right now, he will not have to worry about a social setting for some time, and whatever happens within our home is ok with me. If everyone in the house is nude but him, that would be fine. At this point it is his decision. He knows how I feel and he is somewhat (for a 13yr old) open about how he feels. For now I would say things are going well, better than expected. Its amazing what being honest will do for you. Thanks to all.

[florida-david]

smid, please take time with this, it sounds like you have pushed enough for this week (and maybe next). sounds like he will at least be comfortable with your nudity (and the rest of his family) and that will be enough for today. now next month, than maybe you can try some other things.

i think i speak for everyone at this site when i say that he would be welcome to post and we would love to hear from him.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Here's how I would handle it if it was me:

I would tell the 13-year-old that I and the younger boys are going to the nude beach or resort. I would tell him that I would like him to go with us, but if not then he could stay with his grandparents or whoever I chose.

I would also tell him that if he went he could stay clothed if he prefered, but that he wouldn't be able to go swimming with clothes on since it's skinny dipping only.

That way he doesn't feel pressured into being nude if he doesn't care to be, but he knows he is limited on what he can do if he stays dressed. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Bob S.]

smid, I have sent you a private message concerning another site your son might enjoy for asking questions.

In case you are not sure how to access your private messages, look at the top of this page. Under the "Post a NEW topic" icon, there is, in smaller words, a link reading "View instant private messages/my profile". Click on that link and you will be taken to another page where your private messages are kept. You should also be getting an email saying that you have a new private message, complete with the message in it.

Good luck.

Bob S.

[thetwoofus]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by thetwoofus:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ercNY:
My thoughts exactly Aussie, and I am a father of three. I would carbon copy your post.

The slow let them go at their own pace, has worked well for us. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>We took our 13 year old daughter to a clothing optional resort this last weekend. At first she was a little upset, but by the end of the weekend she did not want to leave. She did not disrobe, but we are not going to insist that she do. We are going to let her go at her own pace.

[NW Nude]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BrianM:
Here's my view, just of list of thoughts.
Boys in Puberty have many issues with thier bodies, depending on where they are in development.
1. erections are involuntary..may last into their 20's
2. Boys do judge others by penis size, body hair, and any other developmental issue, regardless if whether or not "nudist" do.
3. Kids are very idealistic. They see perfection as the "norm" and anything else is inferior.
4. Kids usually enjoy skinny dipping, maybe at night, or by removing their clothes once in the pool.

Here are my thoughts on education.
Talk to the kids about:
1. Fact that the nude body is not dirty.
2. Fact that everyone is different, which is a good thing, not bad.
3. Nudity should not be forced. People should be allowed to feel comfortable, and if being clothed makes THEM more comfortable at the present time, then let it be.
4. A kid who doesn't practice nudity themselves in public, but has had POSITIVE exposure and education to nudity should definitely have positive views and reactions to nudity as an adult, which is the ultimate goal.

My views on Clothing optional / vs forced nudity at resorts, beaches etc.
1. Should always be clothing optional, forced nudity at particular areas is a little confusing to me.
2. A gawker will not typically stay at a resort around a bunch of nude people, while remaing clothed. They will walk a nude beach clothed, but I can't imagine one going to a resort just to look, without being naked themselves.
3. The perv usually has no problem stripping down themselves, it completes the fantasy.
4. The rules about forced nudity have as much to do with the rulemakers wanting to see nude people, as it does with them wanting to feel comfortable in the nude....Lets face it, most nudist could care less who sees them nude, as long as it is accepted by those who see (they just do not want to offend). Do you think that doctors should be nude when go for an exam? Would that make it better?

These are just a few of my views, but bottom line about the kids, just try to educate and leave it up to them. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[NcfootballCV]

I remember I would not go nude when I was 13. My parents wanted to go to a nude beach but they said they wouldn't because it wou embaress me. I was glad they made that choice because I had not fully developed. Right now I am 15 and my penis has almost fully developed so I would not be embaressed going. The problem now is communication. I am shy and not very open with my parents. I would find it very difficult to ask or suggest we could go to a nudist resort. I think your son will go nude eventually.

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by NcfootballCV:
I would find it very difficult to ask or suggest we could go to a nudist resort. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>But don't you wish now that they'd insisted that you go with them to a nude beach a few years ago to a nudist beach so that now you'd have got over all that embarrassment stuff and nudism would not now be the issue which it seems to be for you?

Rik

Rik,

Do you have any children? How about teeagers? I've got two daughters who are now 29 and 32. Had I INSISTED that they went with me to a nudist resort when they were teens, they would have rebelled and refused, and I couldn't have doen a thing about it. It could have made them very uncomfortable to be around me. Of course, I wasn't into social nudity at that time.

There are some things that teens can be forced to do because we have that right (though very few rights any more) to insist. However, forcing a teen to go to a nudist resort is not one of our rights as parents. We have the law that says they have to go to school until a certain age. However, we can't use that same law to insist they be nude with us. They could use that law to get us in trouble. That's reality, and reality sucks.

[florida-david]

ncfootball dude - hey, please don't be so shy with your parents. unless there are some other issues going on, it i acceptable to ask your parents question that might seem wierd. your parents expect wierdness, you are a teenager after all. just explain to them that its better than alcohol, drugs, or sexual activity. at least its normal nudity, maybe show them this website, and GOOD LUCK!!

NcfootballCV,

Just tell your parents that you weren't ready to try social nudism at age 13 but now you are. Tell them you have been here in this forum and asked about nudism. Also, you don't even have to be nude right off, you can ease into it. You can go with them and leave your shorts on at first until you feel comfortable enough to be nude. If you've never seen your parents nude, it could be a bit uncomconfortable at first being nude with them, but you will find that it's all quite natural and enjoyable. Don't be afraid to give it a try. After all, they did want you to go with them two years ago but respected your desire not to go. They will probably be very happy that you've matured to the point that you're ready to give it a try. You may even find that they've been going without you and would welcome your comapny. You haven't said if there is any nudity at home other than in private.

[Bob S.]

NCFootball,

Why not talk to them about when they first talked about going to a nude beach. I know what it is like to be shy, but if this is something you are interested in doing, if you don't ask, it may never happen.

Are you only shy when it comes to talking to them? How about in terms of being naked around them? Why not become a home nudist more (if you aren't already). They may get the hint. You could also ask if they have any beach plans for the summer.

Jon-Marc,

Parents have every right to determine how mature their children are and decide whether they are old enough or not to be left home alone. So taking them to a nudist park would fall under that parental responsibility/right. If any police officer/CPS gestapo agent help parents for bringing their underage children to a nudist park "against their will," and was successful, that would be the end of parenting and teens would then hold the advantage over their parents, who are forced by law to house them.

Forcing them may not be a way to endear them to the lifestyle, but it is far from illegal.

Bob S.

[NcfootballCV]

Nobody goes nude in my family. My parents haven't seen me nude since they gave me baths when I was very young. I also haven't seen them naked that I remember. We might go to Europe on vacation this year so I'll suggest we go to a nude beach then. However, one doesn't know whether that'll actually happen or not. I hope we go. Thanks for the advice everyone.

[florida-david]

maybe do a little research for your parents. for instance, if they suggest a location miles away from a nude beach, maybe you can suggest something a bit closer to a nude beach. of course, you don't have to tell them that you are doing this, but if you are close to the nude beach, than maybe you can go with them...

good luck

[MaxNik]

Take a family vacation with them to a nice clothing optional resort in your area (or Cypress Cove or Lake Como in Fla. would really be great). I assure you that within an hour they will get over any embarrasement they might have and they will shed those swimsuits without your encouragement to do so. Good luck.

[Chocolate]

Well...in our area, White Tail Park in Ivor Va., has decided to open a summer camp for youngsters and teens. I have never heard so much chitter chatter on the radio and in the news!

I'm learning more and more...my new personal life slogan is "GET OVER IT!". I find myself thinking that more and more when I hear how close-minded people are!

Sure, when you're young, you have hormones surging through your veins and brains like crazy. And maybe introducing the average kids to the idea would be a total shock to the system. Some would think HECK NO! Others would start salivating at the thought of seeing naked bodies. But, people need to take into consideration that these are probably kids who have a naturist/nudist background anyway. They're probably over the whole shock value, and hormones or not, are probably very respectable just as the adults are. Sex is not part of the reason they're there. If it happens, it wouldn't be any different than any other summer camp. And I'm sure all the camp directors have all had background checks and are respectable members of the campground already. It's a gated community so no pervs or pedophilles are going to get in.

Me persoanlly, I bet kids who are used to nudism/naturism are probably alot less sexually active and in a lower percentage of young people who expereince teen pregnancies etc. I don't have any proof or data to support that, but when you're used to always being able to be around people naked already, you're probably not as much in hurry to get your clothes off to have sex. Just a theory. Anyway....I hope they don't find a way to shut the summer camp down.

Does anyone know of any websites I could visit that would allow me to help defend the campsite if it gets to that point. Maybe another naturist/nudist establishment who has experienced the same thing?

Thanks for any input.

[Bob S.]

Hey Chocolate, somewhere on the net (don't know any URLs right now) there are some stats that suggest that nudist teens experience less pregnancies than their non-nudist counterparts.

And I wouldn't worry too much about White Tail. The owner Bob Roche (that chubby, balding guy who loves wearing caps) is also the president of the AANR-ER (Eastern Region). He has a lot of pull on his side.

Bob S.