We feel that most people are missing a very important issue here, namely, the problems related to family naturism are actually on the inside. It matters not at the moment, what people outside naturism think, there is a negative view of families and children within naturism, and until that can be resolved, no progess will be achived.

Anna ANW said:
Too often I have heard people say - "I have nothing against naturism but it is not right for children" but to me I would say "If it isn't right for children then why would you have nothing against it?" Why should adult only nudity be considered as more suitable than family friendly nudity?


The children question is front and central to family nudism. I've had an experience with nieces who have been brainwashed by their mother, emphasizing the evil of the naked body. I tried multiple times to explain there was nothing wrong with naked bodies, they heard (mother and daughters) the rational argument, understood it, but disagree because it's "indecent". The only reason they gave was that it's just "indecent". Full stop, end of the discussion. Rational argument won't change minds, and unfortunately, society is getting polarized by politicians who want to please extreme minorities.

The latest study by Dr Keon West, "Think of the children!: Relationships between nudity-related experiences in childhood, body image, self-esteem and adjustment", scientifically demonstrates the positive aspect of naturism for children. The last two sentences of the abstract are interesting: "Experiences of naturism were associated with positive, not negative outcomes. These findings suggest that, despite the concerns some people express, naturism does not generally lead to negative outcomes for children." This is the kind of study that should be shown to naturist federations and politicians to curb public policies when necessary.

I'm not seeing the family question as a key problem here in France, as most campsites, resorts and villages are family friendly and attract families. However, I truly agree with all that is being said here, we and naturist federations need to be more intentional in attracting families and demonstrating the many benefits naturism brings to individuals and families. There was a radio broadcast this week on France Culture with the testimonials of three women, one talking about here experience as a kid in Montalivet, and then as a young mother of two boys, now spending their holidays as a family  in Montalivet (here for those who understand French: https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceculture/podcasts/les-pieds-sur-terre/tomber-la-chemise-5095188 - I will write a post on my French blog, and will translate it for ANW). This testimony is a real evidence of the benefits of naturism for kids and families.

We should not try to convince but display evidence, like the testimony I was talking about, and have the federations do the heavy lifting of campaigning, with the help of naturist campsites and resorts. We need families in naturism!

Thanks Marc. 

To be honest I read through this topic yesterday and I went to bed feeling miserable last night and woke up feeling the same. It sickens me that something so amazing and so healthy is being let down right at the very core. I note that Marc says it is not such an issue in France - so it is hard not to point a finger at specific bodies. But as ANW admin I want to always find a subjective balance. 

I read the passion and belief and honest wants of better support from families like RnR and it makes me frustrated. We really do deserve better and I hope we can work at this through the pages and members of ANW. The FIN project is something we really need to discuss and work on. It is an honorable thing and it is something Anna and I have chatted about (in other ways) for sometime. So I feel there is certainly something in it.   

As I live in Britain it is hard not to be seen as giving a hard time specifically aimed at my national body - but I think that this issue is world wide and I have spoken to other naturists in other countries who carry such concerns. But as an individual I do have grave concerns that my national body has lost its way and I do not think it is doing the best it can by naturism and it is such a shame. I want a representative of BN on ANW, promoting what they are doing and talking to naturists all over the world. If they are afraid to promote family naturism openly then at least they could do it safely here. We want a relationship with BN and we still hold out that they will make a difference and I want to work with them in doing that. 

I think it would be very interesting to hear from as many members of ANW on this forum topic to see if they feel their national body is properly supporting families. Tell us your country and let us get a clear picture of this problem.   

Anna ANW said:
 The national bodies need to be at the front of defying paranoia and fighting for families in naturism. Profit should not matter, bad press should not matter, naturism should be the only thing that matters to them because that is why they exist.

You are right. Unfortunately, there seems a point where any national organization becomes more concerned by ensuring its own continued existence than the principles that caused it to be created in the first place. This is not just in the world of naturism, its everywhere. 
 

For a larger group of people to recognize the significance of a smaller group, the smaller group needs to be seen as capable in swaying opinions of the larger group, or supported by people whom the larger group deems influential.  That's politics and inevitable. 

Naturist families can again start small.  If it's not the money that gets the attention of others, then it will need to be the growing number of us.  Even if neither happens, among a small group we can still share our common way of life and reinforce each other that it is the way.

Remaining a small group probably is also the best way to avoid us becoming too political as well.