Thinking

Today as I was browsing through the blogs I subscribe to, I noticed a wonderful post by San about kids and nudity. It got me thinking.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time naked. I am naked in many childhood pictures. And unlike San, my parents WERE more of the hippy type. I saw my parents naked, doors were always open (if we had doors) and naked bodies were NEVER something to hide or worry about.

I would say that only later on in life (in my teens), did I start to give it more thought. I think that part of this was because I was obviously changing and wanted to keep my body to me. Then, my stepmom started making a big deal about it. "Why are you always hiding your body?". This changed things for me. I started to care about people seeing me.

Fortunately, as I began to swim competitively, I didn't have time to hide my body in the change room any more. Up at 5:30, in the pool by 6:30, to school by 8:15... I had busy mornings and no time to worry about what people thought of my naked body. I thank swimming for turning me around again.

I still don't care what people think in change rooms at the gym. We're all female and all have the same parts. If you don't like it, don't look.

Understandably, I've been giving this a lot of thought lately in terms of how I want my kid to think/feel about their body. Bodies are amazing things, and no one should ever be ashamed of theirs. Sure we all have parts we don't like, but to be ashamed? Never.

My intent is to raise this child in an environment that supports being free in mind and body. Kids should not need to worry about how other people perceive them until much later on in life - when it becomes inevitable.

My mom once said to me, "We're all naked under these clothes". Such a simple statement, but so true.


BABY COUNTDOWN: Full term plus 3 days.