Sara Haines, the co-host of The View, sparked a lively discussion during Tuesday’s live episode of the talk show when she shared her unique approach to parenting and privacy. The conversation began as the co-hosts discussed what age parents should start feeling uncomfortable being naked around their children. In her candid response, Haines shared a surprising perspective that left viewers and her co-hosts reflecting on the topic.
“My kids do not knock,” Haines explained when the conversation turned to privacy and the concept of knocking before entering rooms. She then went on to reveal that privacy in her household is not something that is strictly enforced. “We talk about privacy, but we have that conversation while I’m sitting on the toilet and they’re standing there with me,” Haines said, eliciting laughter from her co-hosts and a few surprised reactions from the audience.
Although some may find it unconventional, Haines clarified that she does not walk around nude. She explained that she’s comfortable being “naked” while in the bathroom, applying lotion, or engaging in other personal care routines, but she emphasized that her kids, aged 5 to 9, are learning to understand their bodies in a healthy and non-sexualized way. Haines made it clear that she and her husband, Max Shifrin, are “deliberate” in teaching their children how to feel at ease in their own skin without the societal shame that often accompanies nudity.
“I don’t want my kids to feel that they need to cover up, especially as young kids,” she explained. “I breastfed. My kids didn’t sexualize me; society did.” Haines emphasized that her children would still occasionally ask questions, but she doesn’t want them to feel uncomfortable about their bodies. “They’ll ask questions still to this day, they’ll walk in, they don’t stare at me while I’m there,” she added. “They’ll talk about how they’re fighting someone and they hit someone, I’m like, ‘I’ll be out in a minute.’”
Haines’ perspective was not entirely embraced by her fellow co-hosts. Alyssa Farah Griffin weighed in, expressing concerns about the potential effects of nudity on children approaching puberty. “When they’re inching toward puberty is when you should actually go out of your way to not make them see you naked,” Griffin said, arguing that it could be “traumatic to children” to see parents in such an intimate state, especially as they grow older. “You don’t want to be a 12-year-old girl and walk in on your dad or your mom,” she added with a laugh, making it clear she believed in maintaining some level of separation as children get older.
Legal expert Sunny Hostin also shared her personal experience, stating that she has never seen her parents naked and that her children have never seen her or her husband in a state of undress. Hostin’s comment sparked further discussion on the boundaries parents set with their children and the comfort levels surrounding privacy.
As the debate continued, Whoopi Goldberg, always the voice of reason on The View, wrapped up the segment by reinforcing the importance of teaching kids about privacy, while reminding the audience of the value of knocking on doors—both for their own peace and for the respect of their children’s personal space.
Sara Haines’ revelation on the topic of privacy and nudity in her family has sparked ongoing conversations about how different families navigate the balance between comfort, boundaries, and societal expectations. While not everyone agreed with Haines’ approach, her openness and willingness to discuss such a personal topic resonated with many viewers, providing a thought-provoking perspective on modern parenting.