There are some schools of thought on why your child engages in this funny habit. Okay, maybe it’s not so funny when you’re in the middle of a formal dinner at home or entertaining guests or even strangers and out comes your little angel without a stitch on. Still there could be a few reasons you could take into account and work with.
It’s a lot of fun for them to watch your reactions when they run out naked at the most inopportune times. They see it as a game, especially if you find it amusing, despite your best efforts not to show it. Sometimes, admittedly, it is funny to see your toddler streak across the living room. So if you get more upset with them if they do it in more serious situations, they’ll become confused. Try harder to be consistent in your reaction to his running around naked, regardless of the situation. Let him know that it’s not okay at any time.
They might be seeking attention, especially if there are older siblings. They might be feeling like the odd one out. If you notice that your child’s ‘naked’ tendencies seem to be on the rise, try spending some one on one time with him just playing and focusing on him. When they do take their clothes off, don’t give them the attention for that. Simply get their clothes and put them back on without commenting. They will quickly learn that if they want your attention, stripping down is not the way to get it.
Another reason to consider is the clothes themselves might be uncomfortable. The fit might be wrong; the elastic bands might dig into their sensitive skin, the turtle neck might be too tight around their neck or they might have allergies to certain fabric. Pay close attention to see if your child scratches himself when he’s wearing certain clothes. On your next doctor’s visit bring up these observations and ask if your child can be tested for possible allergies.
You might try including your child more when you take them shopping for clothes. Ask them to pick out a shirt or other item they like in a favourite color. Children are more likely to wear something they have some ownership of. You could also look for clothes featuring their favourite cartoon characters. Try and point out other children who are dressed in cute outfits, especially your child’s siblings so he’ll be more likely to want to emulate them.
Don’t worry about it too much. Though it might seem like bizarre behaviour, you’re looking at it from the perspective of an adult. A toddler has almost no inhibitions at all. The phase usually doesn’t last more than a year or so and unless there could be danger in them running around naked or if it’s too cold you needn’t raise too much of as fuss.
They could also be enjoying the buttons and zippers their clothes have. Toddlers have fun figuring out how to get their clothes off and on so that it becomes like a game for them. Just keep an eye out for the clothing items that contain zippers as there’s a small chance they could hurt themselves playing with those. Try and stick with buttons during their first few years.
There is an actual upside to toddlers with nudist proclivities, studies show that they actually potty train earlier than their clothed counterparts. If they’re running around naked, they’re more likely to run to the potty to relieve themselves. It’s certainly not fun for them to mess themselves when they’re naked. If you’re worried about accidents, let your little one know that he can remain naked but only if he keeps his diaper on and if they aren’t happy with that you can counter with letting them remain completely naked, but with the stipulation that then they have to use the potty.
Maybe he’s feeling stifled with too many layers of clothing. Parents do have a tendency to pile the clothing on to their children and wrap them so tightly the poor things can barely move. Those rosy cheeked toddlers in snow suits who can hardly move their arms come to mind. You fear because they’re so small they must surely be colder than we are. While there is some truth to that belief, toddlers only need one extra layer of clothing during colder temperatures, not five. While they’re outside on a particularly frigid day, you can bundle them up. Once they’ve arrived where you’re going, make sure to get them as comfortable as quickly as possible. Maybe you could bring an extra change of lighter clothing such a small t-shirt and shorts for when everyone is done ooo-ing and ahh-ing over his cute new outfit. Then he can change into his lighter clothing and play comfortably with the other children. Once he gets home, change him back into the lighter clothes again and the relief should be enough that over time he won’t feel the need to completely strip down anymore.
He’s just getting used to his body and exploring how it works and what it looks like. That’s easier for him to do if he’s not covered up. He’ll like how some things feel against his skin more than others. Getting naked is just another way to express himself and learn his place in this new world around him by the attention he receives.
When your little one grows up, you can then tell those wonderfully embarrassing stories of how he used to love to streak across your living room in the middle of a part, naked as they day he was born.
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