This may sound like a dumb question, but here goes…
What is the “proper” age for my wife and I to start being “modest” with our bodies around our son? Getting out of the shower, changing clothes, etc. Is the age different for my wife versus me?
In all honesty, I’m sure there are countless parenting guides available on the web, but frankly I’m scared to death to do a search on such a topic, given what could be returned to me. Any specific studies/research would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.
IANAParent… but I would say… don’t worry about it until your son says “Daddy! What’s that?” Then you explain it to him, then cover up and never talk about it again for about 10 more years.
I know fatdave is joking, but unfortunately people do just that, and it is in my opinion probably the worst way to handle the situation. Kids need answers to their questions, and if they ask “What’s that?” and get the answer that it’s something Daddy is so ashamed of that not only can he not speak its name, he’ll never let Micro Man see it again… well, let’s just say that wasn’t the answer he was looking for, and he’s not likely to ask any other questions on the subject in the future.
Kids’ questions should be answered, accurately and in language they’ll understand.
As long as everyone is comfortable with the current situation regarding stepping out of the shower etc., it’s fine. The day will come when someone begins to get uncomfortable, and that should be respected. But when that day comes depends on both the culture and the family, and there isn’t really one age that’s right or wrong.
For us it was when we thought the kids needed to be aware of their own and others’ needs for privacy. We have 3 kids, 2 girls 1 boy. When the eldest got a few grades into school, we felt they should learn certain concepts of privacy and modesty. Such as not walking into someone else in the bathroom - which required that we start closing the door.
But there certainly is never a time that the kids should be taught that their bodies are something to be ashamed of or hidden. And, of course, no discussion topic is out of bounds. Yesterday my son was asking about masturbation. I figured I’d draw the line at discussing the personal preferences as to various techniques…
