Appropriate for a 1.5 year old?

Question

So, I live in an apartment complex, with lots and lots of buildings. Today, I go outside with my 8 year old daughter so she can ride her bike and play. There's this one lady outside having a water balloon fight with about 10 children, aged about a year and a half to about 10ish. It took me a while to notice, but the youngest two, a boy that was about 2-2.5 and a girl that is about 1.5-2 years were completely naked, running around with everything hanging out. I don't care if kids want to be naked in their house, but it just seemed like a bad idea to let them do this out in the open like that. I mean, anyone can see....

So, do you agree or disagree with me that this was inappropriate. I'm not going to report it or anything.. but next time, should I say something to the mother/babysitter?

Answer 1

I agree inappropriate, no matter what age of the child. I don't think anyone would want their child's privates exposed like that. They should at least be wearing a diaper or swim diaper.

Answer 2

No, not a good idea at any age to be running around in the buff. Especially with all of the pervs around. BUT, if you say something, they'll think you are either a prude or a perv. Maybe let your daughter "freak out" about it? ("Eww! Naked boy! Hey! Get your clothes on!") Kids can get away with saying stuff like that and it still gets the point across!

Answer 3

I agree that it was totally inappropriate. Keep it inside the home if they must be nude.

Answer 4

It is entirely possible that they are so used to running around the apartment naked that they don't even think twice outside - they probably don't realize it makes anyone uncomfortable. If the mother seems approachable I would probably mention it as nicely as possible.

My little sister was always naked until she was potty trained... she just hated clothes and my mom didn't want to fight with her every day.

Answer 5

OK

This is strange.   Maybe it would be ok if they were in underwear.

There is so many s*x offenders out there that I would be concerned and not allow my child to be outside like that.

Answer 6

For the safety of the kids they should have swim diapers on at least. I would say something next time . Because you never know whos watching and looking in the wrong kind of way you know.

Answer 7

Wow, are you kidding? They're like 2 years old. Who cares?

Answer 8

I think it's inappropriate out in public like that..

Who knows what kind of perverts are out there..

In a personal backyard, no biggie...

In your house, who cares?

But honestly, it's the caretakers choice

Answer 9

I think this is just a culture question.  Where I grew up all the little kids ran around in the buff in summer.  We lived in a rural area and the summers were so hot it just made sense.  As for my views as a nurse I can see that running around with a soaking wet diaper in hot weather can irritate the sensitive skin of toddlers and encourage infections of Candida albicans and different bacteria.  It is healthy to let the little bums breath, but definitely more socially acceptable to cover them up.  I wish it were more acceptable in our culture, and  I wish people wouldn't sexualize everything.

Answer 10

Nope not inappropriate...little ones have a tendancy of undressing as it is.  Besides they would probably pee in their clothes due to the water and I don't know anyone who enjoys changing a soggy diaper after water play.  Don't be such a prude these were small children toddlers...what is anyone going to see?

Answer 11

I think they should at least have a swim diaper on or something....there are so many disgusting people in the world today, I wouldn't want them looking at my children!!

Answer 12

i agree they should be clothed

Answer 13

I let my kid run around naked outside under the sprinklers at 1-2.  Admittedly, we live in the middle of nowhere, and there's no one to see.

Even if I agree with you, I think you need to keep your opinion to yourself.  It's not openly dangerous. (anyone sick enough to be a pedophile doesn't need the kid to be naked to be tempted.)  It's not like it's a teenager (or even a 8-9 year old) running around naked.  I don't think most people are uncomfortable around a naked infant.    So, I don't think you have any basis for complaining.  

if you said something to me, i'd wonder why you felt compelled to talk to me about an issue I'd think was pretty silly.  But then, that's me.