It’s interesting that you mention Wendy Shalit, The Shalit’s are good family friends of mine.

I guess the issue is where is the modesty coming from. I can say that I have seen a fair share of modes women in my community and the majority are warm and friendly.

I agree modesty does have to be natural in the sense that one internalizes the significance and incorporates it into their life. Modesty is not about covering every part of your body with clothing (though it can be an expression of modesty). For example if a Muslim woman was wearing a Technicolor Hijab and dancing at the corner of Yonge and Bloor, would you say “Hey look at that modest woman over there”?

An example of modesty could be the Queen of England. Her clothing is clean, simple, non-sexual and appropriate for the occasion. Her bearing is reserved yet present. She carries herself in a manner that shows she is conscious of the responsibility of her role and the fact that every act she does is being modeled by others. She is refined and articulate. She uses her mind to define herself not her body.

The idea of fallenness specifically means that it is natural. Have you ever observed beach goers? The ones that get there fully clothed are best for observing. They get undressed almost nervously, they are probably thinking “what the heck am I doing stripping before a crowd and prancing around in my underwear.” That is the natural reaction. Unfortunately socialization causes us to override our nature and go with the flow.

I think if people would increase their self value, recognizing the value of their mind and the sanctity of their bodies, modesty would become the latest craze.

Di.

I think they are very clear on their sexual powers and media teaches them to use it as a vehicle to acheive their objectives.

Amit.

If when you refer to lifestyle, you are referring to the parents lifestyle, then it is the fault of the parents. During the formative years all a child wants is to be like Mommy and Daddy. If parents carry themselves in an immodest manner because they are “Grownups” , then the children in their desire to grow up quickly and be like Mom and Dad will model the same habits.

A general rule should be “If it wouldn’t be good for your children, it wouldn’t be healthy for the parents either”

Head Health Nut.

I agree with you It is natural and healthy, but not something to be displayed publicly. The very act of public display shows the lack of appreciation for its sanctity.

With regards to exerting excessive control and children making their own mistakes.
As I mentioned to Amit. Parenting is about being a role model. Live the live that you want your children to live. Don’t be a “do as I say and not as I do” parent.

And to quote Eleanor Roosavelt

“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”

If you could spend a day and learn from the mistakes everyone has mad until now or a lifetime learning those same ones on your own. Which would you choose?

Thank you again to everybody that commented. I appreciate you stopping by and making your voice heard.

Now I’m not a parent here, so I cannot pretend to know where you’re coming from, but I was a kid with a decent upbringing.

I’m all about being natural and seeking balance, as you know after visiting my site, Live Lighter. And I believe sexuality is a very important and natural essence to every human being. That said, there is a time and place for everything.

I have also experienced and seen the detrimental effects from parents who exert too much control over their children. There’s something to be said about having faith in your children AND your parenting skills. It is important to let children make their own mistakes, as we never stop making mistakes in life.

By allowing them to make their own mistakes (within reason, of course) you teach them that it’s ok to make mistakes. Actually, I’d argue that mistakes are the ONLY way to learn and grow as an individual.

Amen to this post! I am a girlscout leader and this topic comes up sadly too often.

I answered your response on my blog.