To Be or NOT To Be Naked (in front of your toddler)

How do we promote positive body image and teach our children to be secure in their own skin without freaking them out and giving them nightmares or complexes?
This is a hot topic in the Parent World.
I am American and my husband is European. We both have very similar views and parenting styles. But we grew up in different worlds. My parents were never shy about being naked. Especially not the women in my family. But then again we are a family of mostly women. My dad was the only male in the house other than the pets. I don't recall him ever being naked in front of us except for one time when I was a pre-teen about 11 or 12 and that image still haunts me.
Apparently my father, unbeknownst to me, slept in the nude and when the fire alarm in our house went off he swung open the door to check on his young daughter. And even though the light from behind him shadowed him into a silhouette, I saw his Full Monty. "EWWWW." 

Did it scar me for life? I don't think so but I still remember it. Maybe it stayed in my mind as a big deal because that was not a regular occurrence. That was my only memory of seeing my dad naked. (and believe me that was plenty... no pun intended)

Maybe if my father was as open with his nudity as the other women in my family were, it would not have resonated as much.
Well, I do remember seeing my Grandmother naked and that was NOT a pretty sight either. But that was a very important learning moment because I needed to know what happens to our bodies as we get older.

I understand that being the only guy in a house full of women of all ages, my dad probably felt it inappropriate to parade around his house naked and I agree. But at what age did he consciously decide to do this? My sister is 5 years older than me and my Grandmother has lived with us on and off for most of my childhood so maybe he never did. (unfortunately he is no longer with us to ask)

Now I have a 3 year old daughter and as much as I never thought I was a "prude", when my husband shared with me that he and our daughter (18mos at the time) took a bath together my first reaction was...

  "Hmmmmm. I don't know how I feel about that." It wasn't a matter of trust but more of a feeling of awkwardness. It's a total double standard for sure. I imagine a mother and baby in the bath together all cutesie and having a loving moment and then I think of a father and daughter in the bath and my mind makes a "screw-face". And it's not even like a stranger told me. It's my own husband and daughter. As quick as the red flags came up they released just as quickly. I filed it under "European" and didn't think about it again.
But the father naked in front of daughters seanario came up again at a playdate and we split the room 50/50. Me and another mom had similar reactions and the other mom and dad felt being nude in front of their daughters were freeing and normal.
Like everything we do as parents, we are ruled by our children. You have to know your child and be open and aware of how things we do and things they say effect them.

My toddler's Milestones are all hers and we have simply been her guides and her support. When she started sleeping through the night at 10 weeks old it was partly from research that I read and partly because the tools that I read about actually worked. (for HER)
If they hadn't worked then I would have tried something else. Ever child is different.

My toddler is at the end of her potty training. Of course I am the one that encourages her and guides her through this rite of passage but I am only following her lead. I can't make her or force her to use the toilet on command. And it is not from lack of trying. I can only give her the tools she needs to help her in her training. But she is the one in charge. She had been for a long time. The sooner we accept that the easier it will be for us to coexist.

Toddlers are scary.

I am trying to look at parenting as a team sport. Not only with your partner but with you child. We are the coaches and in order to get our team a WIN and a VICTORY we have to know their weaknesses and strengthen them.
And all of this without ruining them for life.
You have to know your child's tell-tell signs. Just as we mark their growth on the door frames we have to make mental notes of their reactions and feelings. By the time my toddler is a full fledged teenager I want to be able to read her like an open book. (I'm sure I won't but maybe I can have a little insight when I need it)

So back to the question, "Should I cover up in front of my toddler or let it all hang out?"

We are our children's first everything. First teachers, first friend, first supporter and first love.  If your toddler seems uncomfortable or bothered with your nakedness than cover it up. If they aren't bothered by it then let it flow. Whether you are part of the Naked or Not So Naked way of thinking, keep the communication open and teach your toddler that their bodies are not only beautiful but sacred.
And if your Toddler looks at you or your partner naked and asks, "What's that?"

 Be prepared. What will you say? Are you the "pee pee" or the "penis"? Are you the "kitty-cat" or the "vagina"? Are you the type to name your privates or go clinical?

We try and keep it close to clinical as we can. I don't want there to be any misunderstandings when it comes to the "PRIVATES". All parties involved need to be clear on what we are discussing when the topic arises. And the main thing we really try to do is be honest. (without giving too much information too soon) They're toddlers, keep it simple and remember what ever you tell them they will 100% repeat it at the most inappropriate time.