How to talk about kids in naturism
A guide to navigating challenges and building understanding
For a century, naturism has been a family-friendly lifestyle that promotes body acceptance, respect, and universal values for all ages—including children. However, modern cultural taboos and moral panic around nudity, especially involving children, have created challenges in openly discussing and advocating for family naturism. This silence reinforces misunderstandings, leaving naturist families feeling isolated and stigmatized.
How, then, can we talk about children in naturism in a way that overcomes societal biases while remaining inclusive? We posed this question to our readers in a recent #UndressedThread, and got a flood of thoughtful responses from people with a variety of perspectives. Gleaning from these insights as well as our own experiences and ruminations, we’ve put together the below guide for navigating this sensitive but essential topic.
1. Reclaim the narrative: Emphasize the positive
Conversations about naturism and children often begin defensively, attempting to disprove misconceptions. While important, focusing solely on rebuttals can unintentionally reinforce the very stereotypes we aim to dispel. Instead, we must lead with what naturism is: a philosophy rooted in respect, self-acceptance, and community.
Naturism is about helping children grow into confident individuals who respect their own bodies and those of others. By emphasizing its benefits—improved body image, healthy relationships with nudity, and stronger family connections—we can shift the conversation from fear to understanding.
• Actionable strategy: Share real-life examples of naturist families participating in joyful, ordinary activities. Highlight these experiences through stories, testimonials, and imagery that showcase naturism as a lifestyle of connection and respect.
2. Emphasize inclusive “wholesomeness”
Historically, naturist advocates have leaned on the image of the “wholesome nuclear family” to combat stigma. While this strategy has helped naturism gain mainstream acceptance, it can alienate people who don’t fit that mold—such as LGBTQ+ families, single parents, and individuals from nontraditional communities.
Rather than abandoning the concept of wholesomeness, expand it. Wholesomeness in naturism isn’t about conforming to societal norms—it’s about fostering respect, trust, and shared values across diverse groups.
• Actionable strategy: Create spaces and campaigns that celebrate the diversity within naturism. Highlight LGBTQ+ families, chosen families, and people of various cultures and backgrounds. Show that naturism embraces all kinds of human connection.
3. Build community through education and outreach
At the core of misunderstandings about naturism is a lack of education. Many people equate nudity with sexuality or danger, especially where children are involved. Breaking through these misconceptions requires sustained public education that is clear, evidence-based, and empathetic.
At the same time, we must also support naturist families who may feel isolated by societal stigma. Providing resources, mentorship, and connection to like-minded communities is crucial for empowering families to advocate for naturism confidently.
• Actionable strategies: Share research showing that naturism fosters positive body image and has no evidence of harm to children. Use this data in articles, talks, and media outreach.
Create family-centered programming at naturist events, including youth activities and mentorship programs that keep younger generations engaged.
4. Use storytelling to break down barriers
Facts and evidence are important, but people are often more moved by stories that create an emotional connection. Sharing positive, relatable stories about naturist families can help humanize the movement and challenge stereotypes in a way that resonates deeply.
These stories should represent a broad range of naturists, from families enjoying a picnic to LGBTQ+ couples finding freedom and acceptance in naturism. The goal is to showcase the diversity and humanity of naturism, showing skeptics that it is not fringe or threatening, but simply a way of life.
• Actionable strategy: Encourage naturists to share their stories through blogs, videos, and social media. Focus on moments of joy, connection, and growth, avoiding defensive or apologetic tones.
5. Embrace the long game
Changing deeply ingrained cultural attitudes takes time. It’s important to acknowledge that some resistance will persist, and not every skeptic will be swayed. However, progress happens incrementally, through consistent advocacy and the normalization of naturism in public discourse.
Naturism’s values—body acceptance, respect, and freedom—are universal. By staying true to these principles and working to bridge divides, we can ensure that naturism becomes not only more visible but also more inclusive and welcoming.
• Actionable strategy: Focus on incremental change by normalizing naturism in accessible spaces like beaches, hot springs, and home environments. Celebrate small wins and build momentum through local and grassroots efforts.
Conclusion
Talking about children in naturism is a delicate but vital conversation. By leading with positivity, broadening our definition of family-friendly values, and using education and storytelling to dispel misconceptions, we can build a narrative that promotes naturism as a safe, inclusive, and enriching lifestyle for all ages.
The key is to balance tradition with progress: preserving naturism’s long-standing emphasis on family while embracing the diversity that makes the movement stronger. In doing so, we can create a naturist culture that truly reflects its core values of freedom, respect, and acceptance. 🪐
Disclosure: Generative AI was used to assist in the creation of this article. All content has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and originality.
More:
How do we talk about children in naturism?
For a century, naturism has been a family-friendly practice, promoting body acceptance and wholesome, universal values for all—even children. Yet today, cultural taboos and pedophilia panic make it harder for families with children to be public advocates for naturism, and in turn, harder for organizations like the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) to promote the benefits of naturism for people of all ages. In aggregate, this silence creates a vacuum that reinforces these stigmas. So, for this week’s
 | A guest post by
|
Kids are used by conservatives, racists, and the overall right as vehicles of hate all the time. The whole 'protect the kids' narrative is used against LGBTQAI+ constantly, so I don't see why Nudism would be any different. I wholeheartedly believe the only possible way to change people's view of children participating in nudism is to SHOW them the truth. Take them to beaches and resorts. Seeing is believing.
I wish growing up I had the opportunity to to experience ad participate in naturism within my family. Sadly, I had an upbringing that fed negative stereotypes and body shame. Even today, I struggle deeply, and often feel conflicted and hurt about body image. Having physical disabilities, I couldn't move like my peers, and some senses, such as how I perceive touch are different. Being told some parts of your body are inappropriate doesn't help. It was a social thing, I have never fully understood, but it added to my self doubt in ways I do not know how to explain.
On #1 Reclaim the narrative: Emphasize the positive - I wish parents would focus on the "Nature" part of naturism, as not rebranding, but as helping a child reconnect to all of the aspect of nature. I know that feelings were a big one for me. Children need to be free to safely explore and understand their feelings. Going barefoot is huge for me, and I see this as a next step. I think an ideal way to start might be taking a child out to the woods, or a meadow and encouraging them to play and explore. Have them by without clothes, and show them it is good to get wet and dirty. Let you child collect rocks and feathers and other small trinkets. If getting dirty, and wet while feeling the sun and the air on their skin is part of the experience, children will see it as good!
I don't know how others will feel, but I believe experiences somewhat like what I described above will open the door for children, in ways that sitting down talking can't.