I bet you never thought you’d hear THOSE words on a Parent Minute radio broadcast. Well, Amanda suggested I talk about this—about little kids not wearing their clothes. Well, I’m no expert, but I’ve done a little bit of digging. There are a few reasons for this kind of behavior. One, they get “a BIG reaction” out of you (Dr. B). Two, they have a difficult time dressing themselves. Three, maybe it’s a sensory issue (Arnall). Or they just don’t like the clothes for whatever reason. There may be some other reasons, too, I’m sure, but here’s a suggestion: “don’t make a big deal of it” (Lipman). By age four or five, it should stop—but, if it continues, say something like, “This is something we do in private” (“What to Do”). And if loving discipline doesn’t work, you may need some outside help.

This Parent Minute is based in part on the following articles:

• Dr. B on MommyShorts.com: “6 Reasons Your Kid Won’t Keep His Clothes On”

• Judy Arnall, quoted in “What to Do When Your Child Hates Clothes” by Melissa Carter, TodaysParent.com

• Blythe Lipman, quoted in “Wacky Toddler Behavior: Taking Off Clothes” by Tamekia Reece, Parents.com

Suggested Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20