Do Your Teenage Boys Still Wear Pajamas?

[Anonymous]

My son had a similar experience at a church camp. He went when he was 8, and took pajamas like he always did. When he came back I noticed he was no longer wearing pajamas and I asked him about it. He said at camp all of the other boys only slept in shorts or underwear, so that's what he did and doesn't want to wear pajamas anymore. I was surprised and told him he should be wearing something to bed, but he insisted he wants to sleep in only his underwear. But evidently I'm the one out of touch, because I asked a few other parents and they all said their boys only sleep in underwear. I guess pajamas aren't a thing anymore.

[Anonymous]

Haha, my youngest son is definitely one of the “influencers” at camp, sleepovers, etc. He switched from PJs to naked at 5yo to copy his brothers who are much older. At his first sleepover I packed him loose boxers to sleep in (he normally wears the tight sports boxer briefs during the day) but I got a call that night from his friend’s mom because she found both boys asleep naked when she was checking on them. Luckily she wasn’t mad about it and just wanted to make sure I was okay with it. So when he went to camp for the first time I reminded him multiple times that he needed to wear his boxers in bed. He wasn’t thrilled about it but I didn’t want him or me to get in trouble with the camp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Asking him what he prefers to wear to bed in a neutral, non-judgmental way makes the most sense. A little blushing and embarrassment up front is a lot better than the major em-BAREASS-ment that could be in store if you walk into his room in the morning and he’s kicked off the covers in his sleep.

Or you could just start knocking. Which you really should do it he’s a teen.

Yes, but what if knocking doesn’t wake him up for whatever reason? Every now and then it’s a necessity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Asking him what he prefers to wear to bed in a neutral, non-judgmental way makes the most sense. A little blushing and embarrassment up front is a lot better than the major em-BAREASS-ment that could be in store if you walk into his room in the morning and he’s kicked off the covers in his sleep.

Or you could just start knocking. Which you really should do it he’s a teen.

Yes, but what if knocking doesn’t wake him up for whatever reason? Every now and then it’s a necessity.

But if it's a necessity, then that would mean you're going in naked or not, so asking invasive questions won't help.

And if it's not a necessity, then knock.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son had a similar experience at a church camp. He went when he was 8, and took pajamas like he always did. When he came back I noticed he was no longer wearing pajamas and I asked him about it. He said at camp all of the other boys only slept in shorts or underwear, so that's what he did and doesn't want to wear pajamas anymore. I was surprised and told him he should be wearing something to bed, but he insisted he wants to sleep in only his underwear. But evidently I'm the one out of touch, because I asked a few other parents and they all said their boys only sleep in underwear. I guess pajamas aren't a thing anymore.

I don’t think pajamas have been a “thing” for tween and teen boys for at least several generations. Despite what tv and movies portray, men simply tend to wear less in bed, and boys that age want to “be like dad” and seem more grown up.

I remember my father telling me that he and the boys and men in his life when he was growing up regularly slept in only underwear by a certain age, and even nude in the summertime, and that was the 1950s. He said he learned it from my grandfather, and that would have been the 1920s.

Given your surprise, what does your husband wear to bed? Full pajamas? Nothing wrong with that, just not the norm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't see the point of boys wearing pajamas. When my son turned 6 I told him he was old enough to start sleeping in just his underwear. He asked why, and I explained that he will sleep better and that is how big boys sleep. He hasn't asked for pajamas since, which I am thankful for. Less laundry!

+1. Same with our son. And by the summer he turned 9, we began to see the underwear on the floor next to his bed on more than a few occasions when we’d come in to say goodnight and tuck him in. By Christmas that year, it had gotten to be every night, so we suggested that since he now slept like a big boy, he was entitled to some privacy and should start putting himself to bed from now on. He agreed and willingly complied.

[Anonymous]

OP, if your son hasn’t asked for new pjs, he probably isn’t wearing them anymore, and your DH probably either already suspects or knows that. Why not just leave well enough alone?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, if your son hasn’t asked for new pjs, he probably isn’t wearing them anymore, and your DH probably either already suspects or knows that. Why not just leave well enough alone?

+1 for DH probably knows the situation. I (dad) talked to DS12 before he started puberty and I try to be proactive with anything he might need. He comes to me with any questions he’s embarrassed to ask mom, which for a MS boy can be a pretty wide range, but’s it’s no different than what my wife does for DD10. I do communicate with my wife though, rather than trying to drop subtle hints.

As it relates to this specific question, DS followed a similar pattern to several other posters’ sons: PJs until 5 or 6, underwear only until 11, and nude since then. He asked me beforehand and knows he has to put something on before leaving his room.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I don’t think pajamas have been a “thing” for tween and teen boys for at least several generations. Despite what tv and movies portray, men simply tend to wear less in bed, and boys that age want to “be like dad” and seem more grown up.

I remember my father telling me that he and the boys and men in his life when he was growing up regularly slept in only underwear by a certain age, and even nude in the summertime, and that was the 1950s. He said he learned it from my grandfather, and that would have been the 1920s.

Given your surprise, what does your husband wear to bed? Full pajamas? Nothing wrong with that, just not the norm.

My husband slept naked, which I know isn't uncommon for men. I was just surprised when I found out that kids sleep like that, but maybe you're right and I've been influenced by tv and marketing.

Unfortunately my husband passed away when my son was young, so I know he had no influence on my son's sleepwear. I guess it's just a man thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 13 YO started sleeping naked about a year ago. Switched from boxer briefs to nudity.

When did he stop wearing pajamas and how do you know he sleeps naked and how did you react to it.

About a year ago, 12ish, middle school. He told us he sleeps naked and I stopped seeing his “sleeping boxer briefs” in the laundry. Reaction - it’s fine with me.

How did that come up in converstation, did he just suddenly tell you?

Hmm I don’t recall. I think it started because I stopped noticing the sleeping boxer laundry so we brought it up to him. I still ask when we prepare for travel if he wants sleeping boxers and sometimes yes sometimes no.

So great that you can just have an open conversation like that . Do you know why he started sleeping naked?

No, I haven’t asked about the why. I guess I prob should figured it was just a hot bodied teen.

When did your son start sleeping in only his boxers, or did he not ever wear traditional pajamas? Because if he's been wearing just boxers to bed for a number of years, I don't think it's surprising that he switched to sleeping naked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don’t think pajamas have been a “thing” for tween and teen boys for at least several generations. Despite what tv and movies portray, men simply tend to wear less in bed, and boys that age want to “be like dad” and seem more grown up.

I remember my father telling me that he and the boys and men in his life when he was growing up regularly slept in only underwear by a certain age, and even nude in the summertime, and that was the 1950s. He said he learned it from my grandfather, and that would have been the 1920s.

Given your surprise, what does your husband wear to bed? Full pajamas? Nothing wrong with that, just not the norm.

My husband slept naked, which I know isn't uncommon for men. I was just surprised when I found out that kids sleep like that, but maybe you're right and I've been influenced by tv and marketing.

Unfortunately my husband passed away when my son was young, so I know he had no influence on my son's sleepwear. I guess it's just a man thing.

I’m the PP who wrote this. I’m so very sorry to hear that your husband passed away. Please pardon me for making assumptions. How old is your son now? Still 8 or was that a while ago? It wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up taking after your husband regardless and simply sleeping naked by the time he’s a teen. It is very much a man thing, and a healthy one at that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don’t think pajamas have been a “thing” for tween and teen boys for at least several generations. Despite what tv and movies portray, men simply tend to wear less in bed, and boys that age want to “be like dad” and seem more grown up.

I remember my father telling me that he and the boys and men in his life when he was growing up regularly slept in only underwear by a certain age, and even nude in the summertime, and that was the 1950s. He said he learned it from my grandfather, and that would have been the 1920s.

Given your surprise, what does your husband wear to bed? Full pajamas? Nothing wrong with that, just not the norm.

My husband slept naked, which I know isn't uncommon for men. I was just surprised when I found out that kids sleep like that, but maybe you're right and I've been influenced by tv and marketing.

Unfortunately my husband passed away when my son was young, so I know he had no influence on my son's sleepwear. I guess it's just a man thing.

PP, if I might ask, what do you wear to bed, and if it’s less than fully clothed, could that be an influence on him in the absence of his father? Or maybe it really is something he picked up entirely from his friends.

Sleeping in underwear or nothing can also be a woman thing. I sleep naked, and so does my DD17, my sister, and several of my female friends over the years. You might want to give it a try yourself!

[Anonymous]

No they don't. Both boys stopped wearing pajamas a long time ago, I think ODS was 9 and YDS was 7. They’ve both slept naked for several years now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don’t think pajamas have been a “thing” for tween and teen boys for at least several generations. Despite what tv and movies portray, men simply tend to wear less in bed, and boys that age want to “be like dad” and seem more grown up.

I remember my father telling me that he and the boys and men in his life when he was growing up regularly slept in only underwear by a certain age, and even nude in the summertime, and that was the 1950s. He said he learned it from my grandfather, and that would have been the 1920s.

Given your surprise, what does your husband wear to bed? Full pajamas? Nothing wrong with that, just not the norm.

My husband slept naked, which I know isn't uncommon for men. I was just surprised when I found out that kids sleep like that, but maybe you're right and I've been influenced by tv and marketing.

Unfortunately my husband passed away when my son was young, so I know he had no influence on my son's sleepwear. I guess it's just a man thing.

I’m the PP who wrote this. I’m so very sorry to hear that your husband passed away. Please pardon me for making assumptions. How old is your son now? Still 8 or was that a while ago? It wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up taking after your husband regardless and simply sleeping naked by the time he’s a teen. It is very much a man thing, and a healthy one at that.

My husband died of a sudden heart attack shortly after my son turned 5. When I put my son to bed last night I asked him if he remembered how his daddy slept, and he said he didn't. My son then asked me how his daddy slept, and I said he didn't wear pajamas, either. And my son said , "See, boys don't wear pajamas" It was actually kind of funny.

Yes, I'm sure you are probably right that he'll eventually start sleeping naked. Nothing I can do about it, but why do you think it is more healthy than wearing pajamas? When did your kids stop wearing pajamas?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don’t think pajamas have been a “thing” for tween and teen boys for at least several generations. Despite what tv and movies portray, men simply tend to wear less in bed, and boys that age want to “be like dad” and seem more grown up.

I remember my father telling me that he and the boys and men in his life when he was growing up regularly slept in only underwear by a certain age, and even nude in the summertime, and that was the 1950s. He said he learned it from my grandfather, and that would have been the 1920s.

Given your surprise, what does your husband wear to bed? Full pajamas? Nothing wrong with that, just not the norm.

My husband slept naked, which I know isn't uncommon for men. I was just surprised when I found out that kids sleep like that, but maybe you're right and I've been influenced by tv and marketing.

Unfortunately my husband passed away when my son was young, so I know he had no influence on my son's sleepwear. I guess it's just a man thing.

PP, if I might ask, what do you wear to bed, and if it’s less than fully clothed, could that be an influence on him in the absence of his father? Or maybe it really is something he picked up entirely from his friends.

Sleeping in underwear or nothing can also be a woman thing. I sleep naked, and so does my DD17, my sister, and several of my female friends over the years. You might want to give it a try yourself!

I sleep in underwear and a t- shirt. My son started sleeping in his underwear after returning from camp, so I'm sure that's where he picked it up.

I don't recall any of my female friends sleeping naked. On the other hand, pretty much every guy I've seen sleeps shirtless or in the nude. In fact, I didn't even know guys slept in anything more than underwear until one of the guys I slept with in college came to bed wearing a shirt. I guess sleeping naked is something I've never seen as a woman thing and something I never thought about. When did you start sleeping naked?