Whether you have small babies or a house full of wild teenagers, privacy is an important issue. Parents often wonder when they need to start exercising more modesty-- specifically with regards to nudity.  Today, Parents Ask expert Carin Goldstein LMFT, is answering this common question: 

Q:  When Should I Stop Walking Around the House Naked in Front of My Kids?

 

A:  This is not a black and white situation as the answer to this varies for different cultures.  Around age 3 and 4 children begin to enter what Freud called as the oedipal stage, where boys "want to marry mommy" and girls "want to marry daddy." As this is developmentally appropriate, this MIGHT be a time to consider being a little more discreet in front of the kids.  However, one of the best barometers to use as far as what your child is or isn't uncomfortable with is reading his or her cues as some children become more shy when seeing their parent in the nude.  Also, if your son or daughter begins to "act out" (i.e.: inappropriate laughter or ornery behavior) during times when he or she can visibly see you naked, then that too may be a sign that seeing you in the nude is over stimulating.

 

Again, there is no ONE answer to this question as every child and family is different and parents also need to be mindful of not sending a message to their child that he or she should feel shame or embarrassment when it comes to the human body.