I am trying to remember at what age kids usually go through their nudist phase.

In our circles, it is generally encouraged and accepted that people will try to dress "modestly" which means different things to different people. To some, it's dressing modestly only during synagogue services. To others, it is at all times in public, and to others still it is at all times, even in one's own home.

Obviously, there is a great deal of leeway given to young children, but there comes a time when you want your kid to start growing up a bit. Anna is now potty trained (yeeee haaaah!) and a few months past her third birthday. Although I grew up in a less traditional environment and dressed in whatever manner I wanted to, that's not the way I dress now, nor is it the way I want my child dressing.

We are not amish by any means. I shop at the same stores you do, spend too much money on shoes and look for bargains on the discount rack. But in public I do wear skirts that come down to at least knee length. And for a long time all Anna wanted to wear were skirts because that's what mommy wears. But now, forget about it. My kid only wants to wear shorts. Shorts and climb trees, by the way. Which is fine with me, but I usually find myself climbing up after her in my high-heeled shoes I am stupidly wearing. Or otherwise, Anna wants to wear nothing. Nothing at all. Not underwear. Sometimes just one sock and nothing else.

So all in all, I guess when it comes to the idea of modesty, I should be greatful that she has chosen to wear clothes - of any kind - at all.