Chrissy Teigen has made headlines more than once, often caught in the complexities of public opinion. While her past missteps have sparked controversies, her recent Instagram post has ignited conversations that, as a fellow mom, I feel increasingly compelled to join. The image features Teigen enjoying a candid moment in the bathtub with three of her children: Wren (18 months), Esti (2 years old), and Miles (6 years old). Like most celebrity posts, this one stirred up quite a reaction—some in support of her and others critiquing her choice.
Many commenters felt it necessary to voice their disapproval, claiming the children are “too old” for such intimate moments with their mom. Phrases like “weird” or “not appropriate” echoed throughout the comments, with one user insisting, “Nobody who is this old wants to bathe with their mom.” Another blasted Teigen, declaring it “cringe,” and insisting that children deserve privacy too.
Though I have my own kids, aged 4 and 6, and would think twice about sharing such a photo, I don’t agree that bathing with young children is inappropriate or odd. To me, this practice is a part of normal parenting dynamics, and promoting a healthy body image is essential. It’s all about comfort; I believe openness with our bodies can foster confidence in our kids. While every family has different boundaries, I haven’t hit the point yet where sharing a bath becomes an issue.
I see parallels in my own home, where my teenage daughters occasionally wander into the bathroom while I’m showering because, well, life’s little emergencies don’t always wait. While I might appreciate a bit of time uninterrupted, none of us feel awkward about nudity. And yes, I recognize that while this may be our reality, it won’t resonate with every family.
As much as our parenting styles can draw criticism, there’s no universal handbook. When considering what feels “right,” it’s all about our unique family experiences. Feedback is bound to differ from one household to another. As we navigate through these nuanced conversations, it’s vital to remember that there’s a spectrum of what’s deemed acceptable.
Experts weigh in on this delicate balance. Steve Carleton, LCSW and Chief Clinical Officer at Porch Light Health, points out that every family operates under its own set of rules and comfort levels. He emphasizes that noticing differences among families can evoke discomfort, but that doesn’t automatically make it inappropriate or wrong. From a child’s developmental perspective, Carleton explains that for younger children, having parents who are open about nudity can help normalize their bodies and foster a healthy relationship with self-image.
Shared bath times can serve as more than just hygiene routines—they can spark bonding moments, guiding children through understanding their own bodies in a safe space. However, he acknowledges that a shift will eventually occur. For most kids, this introspection starts around the ages of 3 or 4, where questions about “what is that” may arise. And that’s where you really need to pay attention to your little ones’ signals; subtle cues like avoiding eye contact or displaying nervous body language can tell you when personal boundaries are shifting.
Carleton also notes that gender can play a significant role in comfort levels—typically, boys may become more conscious around their mothers and girls might feel the same way towards their fathers.
When it comes time to establish those boundaries, it’s all about tuning into your child. Carleton stresses that respecting your child’s privacy and comfort is imperative as they grow. The mental health expert Jennifer Kelman, LCSW, echoes this sentiment, stating that boundaries surrounding nudity should ideally be set early, around age 2. In the context of sharing images, this becomes even more vital, especially for children who can’t consent to their images being made public.
In Teigen’s case, it’s worth noting that her children may not yet fully grasp the implications of having their image shared online. It’s crucial for parents to navigate these waters carefully, ensuring that even open conversations about nudity respect their child’s comfort levels.
Let’s be honest: when we create an environment of nudity and openness, it’s essential to have respectful and age-appropriate dialogues with our kids. Understanding their comfort and addressing any questions they may have will only nurture their confidence and foster healthy self-images in the long run.
Image Source: Tinseltown / Shutterstock
