People Online Are Debating If You Should Ever Be Naked Around Your Kids, And Experts Have Thoughts

It’s important to teach your children about privacy while also encouraging them not to feel ashamed of their bodies. 

However, since home behavior often transitions to school behavior, Brown recommended not allowing your child to touch your body while unclothed. It’s never too early to teach them to respect consent. Not only can it help set a boundary for your own personal space, but it also teaches them to set the same boundaries for their own bodies and to learn to identify what feels safe.

Talking to your kids about who it’s okay to be naked in front of is another approach to setting boundaries. Make clear what is considered private and what constitutes appropriate touch — and that you and other safe adults are here to help protect them if they are ever made to feel uncomfortable. 

“Children need to know what they should do if their boundaries are violated and if they are inappropriately touched,” Brown said. 

Wijesekera agreed, emphasizing the value of helping children understand that they have a right to privacy and autonomy.

As far as dealing with shame, Brown notes that you should avoid making negative or belittling comments about anyone’s body (including your own) in your child’s presence; teach them to value differences without being judgmental.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that feels authentic to your family and personal preferences. There is no right or wrong.

“If you ever feel uncertain, trust your instincts and stay tuned in to your child’s reactions,” Wijesekera said. “Kids are pretty good at signaling when they’re ready for more privacy, and following their lead is a great way to model respect for personal space.”

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.