naturism – Everyday Bares

Benefits of Growing Up Naked

Is it good to grow up in a naturist household?

**Yes, we had a clothed wedding.**
Photo by Jeremy Wong on Pexels.com

Being naked is good for my mental health – and I want to share it with my family. I take my clothes off as soon as I get home and I’d let my kids do the same, even in public when it’s allowed.

My wife occasionally participates in nudism with me, but more importantly she’s comfortable with her nude body around the house. It’s common to see her walking around naked or changing clothes in the Livingroom. She’s not as eager to undress at every opportunity as I am, but nudity doesn’t bother her.

I introduced her to nudism early in our relationship. It helps reduce the sexual urges before marriage but also helps us to be closer during marriage.

My friends and family know that I’m a naturist and they know how to knock before entering the house. There’s been a few awkward moments, but they usually end in laughter!

I feel much happier completely naked. But of course, this raises several questions. Should you be naked in front of your kids? Won’t children become more sexually promiscuous?

Nudity combats body shame and over-sexualization by promoting uniqueness and self-acceptance. Children raised in nude friendly homes tend to develop a healthy self-image and strong self-esteem.

There’s also a lack of evidence that nudity is harmful to children. Of course, it’s important to practice family nudity in a safe way that’s comfortable for everyone. Education, open communication, and respecting boundaries should be considered.

For legal reasons, it’s also important to differentiate between nudity and lewd behavior. Sexual intimacy between partners should be kept behind closed doors. There are also strict rules regarding the photography of nude children, requiring consent and ensuring that the images are not lewd or exploitive. You can read more here.

Here at Everyday Bares, we are careful never to post images of anyone – especially children – without consent. Any image here is either uploaded from us or publicly available with a quick Google search.

If you’re interested in getting naked with your kids, psycologytoday.com has a good article on what you need to know about nudity and your family.

The Bare Truth about the Age Gap

I’ll be blunt: there are a lot of old people into naturism.

That’s okay. We want people of all shapes, sizes, and ages to visit nudist resorts. The elderly are just as welcome as anyone else. However, the ratio of older adults to younger adults is concerning and indicates that naturism may be dying.

According to British Naturism, the average member is 60 years old. There are indeed younger adults participating in naturism, but it’s not as common.

There are several reasons why some seniors find naturism appealing:

1. Freedom and Liberation:

Naturism provides a sense of freedom and liberation from societal norms and expectations.

As people age, they may become more comfortable with their bodies and less concerned about judgment.

2. Body Positivity:

Naturism promotes body positivity and self-acceptance.

Older adults may appreciate the opportunity to embrace their bodies without shame or criticism.

3. Connection to Nature:

Naturists often seek a closer connection to nature.

Being naked outdoors allows individuals to feel more in tune with the natural world.

4. Social Interaction:

Naturist communities offer social interaction and a sense of belonging.

Seniors may enjoy meeting like-minded people and participating in group activities.

5. Health Benefits:

Sun exposure can provide vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.

Naturists often spend time outdoors, benefiting from fresh air and sunlight.

6. Reduced Stress:

Being in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment can reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

Remember that naturism is a personal choice, and not all older adults are interested in practicing it. Everyone’s reasons for embracing naturism may vary, but the common thread is a desire for authenticity, acceptance, and connection with others and nature.

I sometimes meet college students and young families at naturist parks and events. Young people also appreciate the freedom, body positivity, and sense of community that naturism offers. It’s a way for them to connect with nature, embrace their bodies, and foster acceptance.

Some adults may even bring their children along. Naturists believe that children can benefit from naturism by developing a positive body image, a natural curiosity, and a respect for diversity. However, the time between eight and ten years old seems to be when children start becoming more self-conscious about nudity and may begin shielding their eyes or wearing more clothing.

I suspect that older children and teens – even those growing up naked – will turn away from nudism. I understand why teenagers wouldn’t be interested in walking around naked considering their raging hormones and changing bodies. That’s okay. Nobody should be forced to be nude at home or engage in naturism. What we can do is make nudity normal and give our kids space to be themselves. I’m very pro clothing-optional and think children should be allowed to express themselves with the clothes they wear (or not to wear).

We (and by we I mean naturist parks) also need to continue to make naturism attractive to teens and young adults. It’s important that they have people their age to interact with, talk to, and have fun together. I’m afraid if we don’t naturism will die, and we will continue the spiral of body shame and sexual immorality in our culture.

To get more young people interested in naturism, we should:

1. Encourage participation in online naturist communities and incorporate naturism education in schools.

2. Combine naturism with eco-friendly activities like beach cleanups.

3. Welcome everyone regardless of background or identity.

4. Highlight naturism’s positive impact on body image and well-being. 🌿🌞🌱

Do you have any idea on how to get young people involved in naturism? If so, drop a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!

Boundaries of the Birthday Suit

I’m comfortable in my birthday suit, even around my family. Yes. I’m naked in my house – I even drafted this article clothes-free! I suppose you expected that because I am a nudist.

So, I’m a nudist and my wife is comfortable with nudity. We don’t have any kids yet, but you may be wondering if that would complicate our clothes-free lifestyle. The truth is kids complicate everything and our culture’s distorted view of the human body only makes it harder.

It’s important to set boundaries and rules when practicing nudity in your family. We are clean and hygienic when spending time in the nude. Remember to wipe your bums extra clean!

Let each family member decide what feels comfortable to them. I, for example, do not feel comfortable having conversations or company when I’m on the toilet! I value my privacy in the bathroom and respect others’ need for privacy as well.

Some fathers worry about bathing with their daughters, but you can use bath time to teach and bond with your kid. Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash

I think it’s okay to take baths and showers with your kids. It’s also okay not to. Children tend to develop a sense of modesty and desire for privacy around five years old. By then it’s okay to leave them alone in the tub and respect their wishes for privacy. This also gives them an opportunity to do something on their own and learn some independence. As they get older it’s still okay to take showers together (as is commonplace in locker rooms and nudist camps) so long as extra boundaries are put in place. Always ask for consent and respect their autonomy.

Set rules for when being naked is okay and appropriate. While it may be okay to be nude at home, clothing should be worn around guests. Sometimes it’s okay for young children to be nude outside the home (such as friends’ houses, campgrounds, and beaches) but clothing must be worn in school and all other public spaces.

Nudist families, like any other family, establish boundaries to create a healthy and respectful environment. We just like to be naked and incorporate nudity into our everyday lives. If we want to raise the next generation to have a healthy view of the human body and make safe choices, it’s important we practice family nudity and practice it well.

Why Anti-Nudity Bills are Dumb

Anti-nudity bills are a controversial topic that has been debated for years. The idea of such bills is to restrict public nudity, but they often end up being discriminatory and sexist. For instance, in 2015, a bill was proposed in New Hampshire that would make it illegal for women to show their nipples in public. This bill was met with opposition from many people, including Democratic New Hampshire Rep. Amanda Bouldin, who called it “sexist and completely unnecessary”. The bill’s co-sponsor, Republican Rep. Josh Moore, responded with a comment that appeared to advocate sexual assault on women who are topless in public. This is just one example of how anti-nudity bills can be problematic.

There are several reasons why anti-nudity bills are dumb. First, they are often based on outdated and puritanical ideas about nudity and sexuality. Second, they are often used to discriminate against marginalized groups, such as women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Third, they are often ineffective at achieving their stated goals, such as protecting public decency or preventing sexual harassment. Instead, they often create more problems than they solve, such as wasting taxpayer money on legal battles and violating people’s civil liberties.

In conclusion, anti-nudity bills are a misguided attempt to regulate public nudity that often ends up being discriminatory, ineffective, and unconstitutional. Instead of trying to legislate morality, we should focus on promoting tolerance, respect, and understanding for all people, regardless of their appearance or lifestyle choices.

What does this have to do with naturism?

Anti-nudity bills can have a significant impact on naturists. For example, in Wisconsin, two proposed bills (AB503 and AB504) would make it illegal for people to be nude in public, including at private clubs and resorts. If these bills were to become law, they would effectively criminalize naturism in Wisconsin and could lead to the closure of many private clubs and resorts.

Moreover, anti-nudity bills can create a hostile environment for naturists and make them feel unwelcome in public spaces. They can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes about nudity and sexuality, which can lead to discrimination and harassment against naturists.

Despite these challenges, many naturists continue to advocate for their right to practice naturism in a safe and legal manner. They work with organizations like the Naturist Action Committee to fight against anti-nudity bills and promote greater acceptance of naturism in society.

Naturists can take several actions to fight against anti-nudity bills. One of the most effective ways is to contact their elected representatives and express their opposition to such bills. This can be done through phone calls, emails, or letters, and it can help to raise awareness about the issue and put pressure on lawmakers to reconsider their position.

Another way to fight against anti-nudity bills is to join a naturist organization, such as the Naturist Action Committee or the American Association for Nude Recreation. These organizations work to promote naturism and protect the rights of naturists, and they often provide resources and guidance for people who want to get involved in activism.

Naturists can also participate in peaceful protests, rallies, or demonstrations to raise awareness about the issue and show their support for naturism. These events can be organized by local or national naturist organizations, and they can be a powerful way to make a statement and bring attention to the cause.

Finally, naturists can use social media and other online platforms to share their stories, connect with like-minded people, and raise awareness about the issue. By using hashtags and other tools, they can reach a wider audience and build a community of supporters who are passionate about naturism and its values.

Sources: NECN, Naturist Action Committee, Naturist Action Committee

I Spent the Day Naked with Strangers

and it changed my life

I tried nudism for the first time at the age of twenty-one in 2013. This is a retelling of my experience at Solair Family Nudist Resort.

I’m at the front desk (clothed) buying my first-ever ticket to a nudist resort. The woman (also clothed) asks for a photo ID (like a driver’s license), $50, and hands me my ticket and a welcoming packet. I was a bit nervous because I didn’t really know what to expect. Was I really going to let people see me naked? How would I react to all those naked bodies? Will I feel embarrassed? I was about to find out because it was time to get back in my car and drive to another parking lot. This would be the last time I’d see anyone with their clothes on.

I did encounter a naked man or two on my way to the other parking lot. I didn’t think much of it because it seemed normal to him as well. Just out for a walk on a sunny day. This was my first real-life glimpse into social nudism.

I parked my car in the larger grass parking lot on the hill behind the Arent Pavilion. I got out of my car and waited for someone to come by and give me a tour. All new visitors must be given a guided tour of the resort. I don’t remember waiting too long before an older woman came by in a golf cart (naked except for a yellow hat). She introduced herself (I’m sorry I don’t remember her name) and told me she’d take me on the tour.

Nudity is expected (weather permitting) but not required at Solair except for a few places; the pond, pool, hot tub, and while taking a tour of the resort. This is the standard practice for nudist resorts and campgrounds around the world. Sometimes exceptions are made for teenagers but nudity is expected.

I was asked to disrobe to join her on the tour. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel strange taking all my clothes off in view of a woman I just met. They really want you to jump right into the naturist experience! I took some belongings with me (phone, keys, wallet), put down a towel (Rule #1: Don’t forget a towel!), sat down, and we were off to see the resort.

She was welcoming and assured me I’d feel comfortable at Solair. First, she showed me the heated outdoor swimming pool where people were playing water volleyball. Then she showed me the pavilion. It’s just a covered outdoor room with a concrete floor. She tells me this is where we host events like dances, dinners, various get-togethers, and kids’ events. We drove around the community centers which contained the hot tub. I love a warm and relaxing hot tub in the afternoon!

Solair also has a beautiful pond with a big rowboat and other toys to try out. No additional rental fee is needed. The beach area has lots of sunshine and lawn chairs of which I’d later find myself taking a nap. The beach area in particular feels wonderful and clothing-free!

A child playing on a wooden jungle gym in a park

We ended the tour at the shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pit, and playground. They value the next generation of nudists and work to provide a safe environment for kids to have fun. There was a mother watching her two kids playing and having a wonderful time (and yep, they’re both naked). I did chuckle when one of them put their underpants back on so she could slide down the slide faster. Most kids like to be naked but having fun is always a top priority.

The best part of nudism is you can walk around naked, letting it all hang out, and nobody cares. It’s just another day at the camp to them and I found myself having normal conversations with people. Nudists are usually very friendly and interested in welcoming newcomers. They are interested in you as a person and the lack of clothing only makes social interaction more comfortable. There’s the realization of “yep, we’re both naked” and have nothing to hide. We see each other’s unique bodies, imperfections, and all.

This experience changed my life and it’s something everyone should try. Experiencing nudity – and seeing female bodies in the nude – without any sexualization is really something special. I saw fat people, skinny people, old people, young people, kids. Nudists embrace that everyone looks different.

However, I will take the time to warn readers there can be a voyeuristic swinger community among nudists. But most nudist resorts (especially family resorts) don’t tolerate sexual activity. It really is safe to bring your kids somewhere where everyone is naked. I would simply avoid public beaches because they are often an “anything goes” area.

We think nudity is shocking and uncomfortable but not so much in other cultures.

Indigenous peoples in warm climates used clothing for decorative, symbolic, or ceremonial purposes but were often nude, having neither the need to protect the body from the elements nor any conception of nakedness being shameful. In many societies, both ancient and contemporary, children might be naked until the beginning of puberty. Women may not cover their breasts, being associated with nursing babies more than with sexuality.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nudity

I suggest everyone tries naturism at least once. For me it was part of facing my fears but mostly just a lot of fun and a relaxing way to spend the day. Try it and change your life!