It’s a simple mistake. And one that I make pretty much every morning.
In between making the kids their toast and putting their lunch boxes in their bags, I often find myself cycloning around the kitchen in nothing but knickers. And in front of my kids.
I wouldn’t call my nakedness (or near nakedness) an intentional thing. It’s certainly not premeditated. It’s simply that, with all the other tasks on my mind, sometimes I forget to put on clothes. And sometimes my kids are there to see the ol’ post-breastfeeding pancakes and post-baby pouch (ahem.. five years post-baby, but whatever, post-baby is post-baby) out on display.
No, I’m not an exhibitionist. I’m just disorganised.Â
Yes, sometimes they ask questions. Mum, why is your belly so wrinkly? Mum, why is your bum so squishy? Mum, why do your boobies look so sad? Because, kids, I’m a mum. And this is just what I look like.
But usually they ignore me and my lack of clothing. Usually they eat their breakfast, watch their TV show and pay no attention to my requests to put on their school uniforms, all the while I continue my quest for domestic goddess/lunch box queen status. Clothing optional.
Mummy’s naked in the kitchen, again
Although some studies suggest that being naked in front of your kids can actually help them understand body awareness, I can’t actually say I’m doing it for them.
I am simply doing it because it’s easier to get my clothes on in the kitchen, while supervising my kids, gently reminding nagging them to brush their teeth (for the 15th time) and attempting to chug a litre of coffee before driving them to school.
Plus, we live in Far North Queensland, which means we’re hot all the time. Like, all the time. Even when it’s pissing down with rain, it’s bloody hot. Sometimes not wearing clothes is more of a survival thing, so that we don’t melt to death.
Honestly, being naked just makes sense.
Of course, running a ‘naked house’ is not everyone’s cup of tea. Many mums prefer to keep their private bits private and there is plenty of validation for this decision too.
What do the studies say about family nudity?
Some experts tell us that being naked in front of your kids is actually a good thing and can lead to a positive understanding of body awareness and acceptance.
Some suggest that being naked in front of your younger kids causes no negative impact later in life (this same study also suggests that engaging in ‘parental sexuality’ in front of the kids isn’t harmful, but we are NOT going there).
But another study suggests that family nudity can result in more permissive attitudes about sex and increased sexual frequency.
So, basically, you’re damned if you do. You’re damned if you don’t. So do what you want.
If, like me, being naked works for your kids, yourself and your hot mess of a morning routine, then be naked. Just remember to put on a bra before you head to school drop-off… well, a non-stained T-shirt at least.
Don’t think you can rock a pair of knickers like a bad-arse? Then let this awesome knicker-wearing mum show you how.
