One of the things I think we all envy about children is their total freedom with their bodies.  Little kids aren’t self-conscious, and will often run around in the nude with little concern.  My mom told me that my brother and I never wore clothes, and she would have guests over and my naked brother would crawl all over them with his wingy-ding flinging in their ear. Ummmm Mom, come to think of it… what is wrong with you!?

For a 3-year old, The Munch is really quite modest and aware of her nakedness.  She doesn’t like changing her clothes in front of people, and even will sometimes move from the windows so nobody sees her.

Toni: Munch, we live in the woods.  Who is going to see you? The deer?

Munch: Mamma, deer have eyes too.

Of course I respect her for desire for privacy, but it makes me kind of sad too.  There is such a short window of time before you develop self-consciousness, and to think she has already crossed that threshold is depressing.  It is like that naïve innocence of not caring that you are the only one in your birthday suit is a significant example of the liberty of childhood – the nonconformity of the young.

The more conscious you are of your body, the more you start to question it.  And as a woman that is a tragic hill to roll down.  One filled with endless products to make you feel pretty, when really the most attractive accessory is confidence.

Even though I can’t change the fact that Munch is concerned with the reality of nudity, I do hope to delay any critiquing of her body.  The more I can instill the idea that what matters most is that she is strong and physically capable, it will hopefully it will be her inner monologue long in to the future.

(who takes a shower in their bathing suit with a balloon?)