Is it really inappropriate?

Question

my cousin is a little over 3 and if he is just going to the grocery store to grab a few things we don't really feel like fighting him to wear pants.

generally we will let him go to the store in only his undies and a tank top in the summer. he's 3 so it's really not a big deal to us. and if we are just walking across the street to the gas station to get something to drink real quick then honestly we let him just go in his underwear.

is there any harm in letting a little kid go out in underwear? at what age do you think it's inappropriate for them to go out without clothing?

Answer 1

Its inappropriate... All the time. I wouldn't take my 5 month old baby somewhere in only a diaper. Its unsanitary and you are teaching him bad habits!  

Answer 2

Totally fine at age three.  Not OK at 13.  Somewhere between the two. . .

Answer 3

Oh I think it's fine if you want people to think your trailer trash!!! It's absolutely inappropriate! It is also inappropriate to take your child into a store in just a diaper even as a baby. By taking your child in public that way you are just showing your lack of class and not teaching the child good public appearance.

Answer 4

Ok, you pretty much know you have a problem.  Somewhere deep down you know it's frowned on socially or you wouldn't be asking..  So the question really should be, should I be embarrassed or not to allow a child that doesn't know any better to do something like this.  Don't take him to the store.  Simply put.  It's really not a big deal except the part where you're fighting him over a simple thing and you don't feel like it.  Leave him at home and you won't worry about what others think of your decision making. -It's inappropriate at any age to just wear underwear but it's understandable that children will remove clothing that a responsible parent placed on them.   Who's the boss?

Answer 5

If it is past their first summer that they are mobile it is inappropriate. Unless of course you don't care if you kid is the one that never learns about modesty, and won't wear clothes. My motto is if you won't let them do it when they are a teenager, don't let them do it when their 2

Answer 6

Hum i let my 3 year old run around in his underwear but even he says sometimes that he needs pants. I dont like the way men look at him whatever the real reason is for. So i try to cover him if we are in prublic. If it is super hot out people understand but try to sneak some shorts on but, who has a right to tell you what to do? I think 4 years old is a time for bottoms, lol. But, arnt they so cute in their underwear?  

Answer 7

I think 3 is too big....whats wrong with a pair of shorts? Unless you are at the beach it is not OK for anyone other than a baby in arms to go around in undies. At 3 he is not a "baby" he is a toddler...nearly a little boy.

Answer 8

I have a two-year-old daughter, and I never take her out being only partially dressed. She is always fully clothed. She knows that when she gets home she can remove her shoes and barrettes, but even then she leaves her clothes on.

I'm sorry to say that people do judge when they see children only partially dressed, particularly without pants and shoes.

Not only that, think about cleanliness and the habits you are helping him begin at such a young age.

Answer 9

I would just to get him in the habit of keeping them on. because at 3 he could be in preschool, although it's not necessary. but just to get him in the habit and that way it prevents ppl from saying things to you or giving you weird looks.  

Answer 10

I wore a shirt, leather jacket, boxers, and shoes to a Dali Museum while tripping on acid and I'm 17.  All's good.

Answer 11

Your last edit was quite bad... So if you go somewhere nice, he wears shoes but if you don't, he doesn't.  The nice places would be cleaner and probably more OK to go bare feet.  The not-so-nice places may be quite dirtier and you let him go bare-feet there!!! ???  Yuck.

Stop being lazy, insist that he must wear pants/shorts and shoes or sandals whenever outside in public. Maybe he hates wearing clothes but i'm sure you can put your foot down in winter so why don't you do it now.