Things are a bit different here in Texas. We have no problem executing the mentally retarded, but God help you if flash a bit o' nipple whilst breastfeeding your young 'un. We're all over that child porn $#^&!!

Two thoughts:

First, I think it is disgusting that the charges were brought over a photo of a mother "breastfeeding" a 1-year-old child (who, as she says, had actually stopped breastfeeding some time before the photo, and was given the breast only for the purpose of memorializing that experience for the woman's boyfriend who hadn't immigrated to the U.S. in time to see the baby nursing). Regardless of whether the child was weaned or no, at that age there's simply nothing sexual about it.

Second, and I'm sure I'll catch flak, I DO think it was questionable judgment on her part to drop off rolls of film that portrayed her and her boyfriend naked in bed together AND photos of her naked children playing. I'm not saying her pictures were child porn. I'm merely saying that she should've given the contents of the film a little thought. I mean, what other conclusion would YOU draw from such a roll of film?

At the same time - and I'm sure I'll take flak on this one - did you notice that her children were ages one and FOUR? Doesn't it seem rather inappropriate for a grown woman (who has pictures taken of herself naked with her boyfriend) to bathe naked with a four-year-old and take pictures of that, too?

First, I agree.

Second, to sum up, it sounds like you are saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Third, although I have no frame of reference (no children of my own), I disagree. I've known several sets of parents that regularly bathed with their children until they were about 5 or 6 years old. It seemed a bit odd to me, at first, but not something to be overly concerned about.

Oh, and that was three thoughts, not two

Ok, maybe it's just me. My son is 3, and I wouldn't think of bathing with him. The last time I did was when he was just under a year old and sitting in the "big boy bathtub" (instead of a safety bath seat) for the first time. But like I said, I'm pretty cautious about these things.

And I believe I've stated elsewhere that I'm crappy at math. ;)

Sigh. I once worked for a woman whose neighbors had a photo of the entire family naked in an old claw footed bathtub. It was a sweet, innocent picture. Harkening back to the hippy era...beautifully done and not a damn thing wrong with it. It's not child pornography. Not at all.

I'll admit that I'm not ashamed about nudity and I'm also dealing with boys, but I've pissed with Jack and Quinton on the same bush outside, and I've taken a shower with both of them after a visit to the beach. I don't see a damned thing pornographic about that.

They don't, either.

I agree, I've bathed and showered with both my sons and daughter until they were four or so (though not regularly), and I'm still not particularly religious about preventing my daughter from seeing me naked and she's 7. It's hardly sexual.

Topic nonwithstanding, I think kids pick up on body language that seems to indicate you're ashamed of your body or are seeking to hide it. IMHO that's not a good lesson to teach them. There's a LOT of grey area here though...

Re: the topic: regardless of your intent, you should be aware of the perception. Have some discretion.