A New York Times article “Children Without Clothes” provoked quite a few letters, including this one:
To the Editor:
Your article was balanced in presenting the varying perspectives that parents and guests have toward raising children.
The 40,000 members and their families who belong to the American Association for Nude Recreation have opted to raise children and grandchildren with an open, matter-of-fact approach to the human body. My wife and I have found this very beneficial as we have raised our own four children. They respect the sensibilities of others but would prefer skinny-dipping at our favorite nudist club to a sandy swimsuit, if given the choice.
As your article notes, in the early years you don’t usually have to teach kids how much fun it is to play without clothes on.
To help explain to them the appropriate time and place to be nude, there is a new resource available: “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed,” a children’s book written and illustrated by Mo Willems. The story provides a springboard for talking with children about social nudity, social customs and making choices.
ERICH E. SCHUTTAUF
Kissimmee, Fla.
The writer is the executive director of the American Association for Nude Recreation.
educating alice 