DeepSummary
The hosts, Elizabeth Newkamp, Lucy Lopez, and Zach Rosen, discuss a parenting question from a listener about their 7-year-old child who feels comfortable walking around the house naked, even after changing clothes. The parent wonders if and when they should ask their child to start wearing clothes as puberty approaches, while avoiding making them feel ashamed about their body.
The hosts share their perspectives, with Zach and Lucy suggesting not to worry too much at this age, as children tend to naturally develop a sense of modesty as they get older. Elizabeth argues there is nothing inherently wrong with nudity in the home if the child and parents are comfortable, and that it should not be automatically linked to sexuality.
They conclude that the parent should follow the child's lead, respect any boundaries the child sets, and not make a big deal out of it unless it continues to cause discomfort as the child gets older. The hosts also share personal anecdotes and cultural perspectives on family nudity.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Respect the child's comfort level and boundaries around nudity in the home.
- Avoid shaming or making the child feel there is something wrong with their body.
- Children tend to naturally develop a sense of modesty as they get older, so the issue may resolve itself.
- Consider the parent's own comfort levels and boundaries around family nudity.
- Nudity does not inherently need to be linked to sexuality, especially for young children.
- Cultural perspectives on family nudity can vary.
- Be prepared to have an open conversation about boundaries if the situation continues to cause discomfort as the child gets older.
- Follow the child's lead and don't force the issue unless it becomes a problem.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I would start by not worrying about this. I just think she's gonna put on clothes eventually and especially knowing that she knows the boundaries between, like, she doesn't want to be naked in public.“ by Zach Rosen
- “And I don't think it's for this parent. Like, the fact that this parent is even asking this question to me says, like, they don't feel comfortable and their boundaries are important, too.“ by Elizabeth Newkamp
- “I don't know if I want to be hanging around naked around the old people in my family.“ by Lucy Lopez
- “I really feel that children just, like, figure it out. Like, you know, my now 14 year old doesn't want to shower in front of me and her dad, you know, as opposed to the eleven year old who literally takes a shower, puts a bonnet over her head and walks around everywhere naked.“ by Lucy Lopez
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Episode Information
Care and Feeding | Slate's parenting show
Slate Podcasts
5/20/24